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decoder choice for old AHM
decoder choice for old AHM
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bscroggi
Member since
March 2002
From: WV
54 posts
decoder choice for old AHM
Posted by
bscroggi
on Thursday, December 22, 2005 1:14 PM
Guys, I have three old (1970's) AHM locos--the Big Boy, the Cab Forward, and the Challenger. I want to convert them to DCC. Can this conversion be done, and if it can, would any of you offer a decoder make/model for this conversion? I don't know if this makes a difference, but I model HO and the Digitrax Zephyr is my power source. Thanks.
Bud, no longer waiting for retirement!
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CMSTPP
Member since
August 2005
From: Along the old Milwaukee Road.
1,152 posts
Posted by
CMSTPP
on Thursday, December 22, 2005 2:40 PM
I don't exactly know if the locomotive can be converted over to DCC or not but I can recommend a chip too you. The DA series chip from NCE is probably one of the best chips out at the moment. I have one in almost every locomotive and they run great.
James
The Milwaukee Road
From Miles City, Montana, to Avery, Idaho. The Mighty Milwaukee's Rocky Mountain Division. Visit: http://www.sd45.com/milwaukeeroad/index.htm
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jecorbett
Member since
November 2005
From: Utica, OH
4,000 posts
Posted by
jecorbett
on Thursday, December 22, 2005 4:04 PM
I would also be interested in this. I have those same three locos, plus several Hudsons, a Pacific, a Mikado, and a 10 wheeler. I am assuming by AHM you mean Rivarossi since they were the manufacturer. AHM was the American distributor for Rivarossi before IHC took over from them.
The big articulateds don't really fit the theme of my new layout but I would still like to be able to bring them out and run them on occasions.
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cacole
Member since
July 2003
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
13,757 posts
Posted by
cacole
on Thursday, December 22, 2005 8:22 PM
A Train control Systems T-1 decoder, which can be found for $15, should fit into all of those locomotives with no problems, and it can handle the current load of the older motors. I've also used a lot of the NCE DA-SR decoders, but they are quite large compared to the TCS.
Reply
jwmurrayjr
Member since
February 2002
From: US
517 posts
Posted by
jwmurrayjr
on Thursday, December 22, 2005 8:30 PM
This link might give you a general idea of what's involved in converting a similar loco to DCC. And there are probably more detailed instructions on the net somewhere.
http://www.trainweb.org/silversanjuan/Page3/Page15.html
Here's another from the MR site:
http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/002/388hbotf.asp
Have fun,
Jim Murray
The San Juan Southern RR
Reply
bscroggi
Member since
March 2002
From: WV
54 posts
Posted by
bscroggi
on Thursday, December 22, 2005 8:38 PM
CMSTPP,
Thanks for your offering. I have used NCE in other locos and they worked out well...
jecorbett,
I know that I can run them with the Zephyr without a decoder, but I really want to get them taken care of, if possible. I'll bet if you continue to watch this topic, you'll also get the info that you are looking for...
cacole,
I appreciate your input. I read your posts regularly on the general board. You have some very enlightening and insightful posts. Thanks...
Bud, no longer waiting for retirement!
Reply
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