DCC Replacement Frames

[Anonymous]

I have some Non DCC friendly N scale engines GP7, 30 ,35. can anyone give me information or pros and cons on replacement frames. Thank you

[mls1621]

I got two replacement frames from Southern Digital for my Atlas GP7's. The frames are made of cast white metal and are extremely fragile. Each kit had a broken half when they arrived.

Southern Digital repaced the broken parts, but I still felt they were too fragile.

The Kit included instructions and an led for the rear light. The front light board is retained for use after some modification.
Aztec used to modify Atlas frame halves for decoder installaition.

Once I saw what the replacement frames looked like, I got out my Dremel tool and modified the originals, they've been running fine ever since.

[Anonymous]

Hello Mike in St. Louis My LHS in Toronto quoted me a cost of $40 plus decoder. As I have several engines that run quite well(Atlas/Kato) it would be costly. As I also model UP , these engines may not be of great value in T.O. It seems that the Dremel tool may be my best bet. Thank You

[mls1621]

Craig,

Depending on the age of your Locomotives, you may not need any modification.

If they are relatively new, they should be DCC compatible, especially the Kato.

If they have light boards that run the length of the chassis with leds on each end, all you need is the decoder.

DigiTrax web site has some instructions for installing the decoders in some of the more unfriendly locomotives under the heading of technical questions. An N scale club has posted some very useful instructions, I used their information on my two Veranda turbines and two Kato 2-8-2 steam locomotives.

On the GP 7 you'll need to modify the front light board by cutting one of the printed circuit clads and solder the power leads to it. The most important thing I can tell you is to remove the brush holders from the motor when soldering the orange and gray leads, to prevent damage to the motor housing.

Craig, I can take some pictures of one of my GP 7's to show you what had to be done. If the Kato's are earlier manufactured items, they might have the same chassis as the Atlas. Send your Email address and I'll try to get some good close ups of the modification of the light board from the instruction sheet that came with the Southern Digital chassis. I'll also show how I modified their method to allow removal of the motor without having to cut any wires after the decoder is installed.

I hope this is helpful, please let me know if I can be of more assistance.