Decoder installation

[Anonymous]

In the October issue of Model Railroader there was an article describing decoders made for tight places(page 117). It mentioned that NCE has a decoder for Life Like's SW9 and SW1200 that is a replacement for the locomotive's existing directional-light PC board. I have a Life Like GP18 that was purchased in the mid-90s. My local hobby shop tells me that I will have to perform some major surgery to install any of the decoders that they carry in this locomotive. The existing light board in my GP 18 measures 15/32 X 5/8.

I have tried to contact NCE's Customer Service organization and they are not responding. Does anyone have any suggestions???

[Anonymous]

I have a decoder in my Atlas S2 but I don't have any of the loco's you mentioned. You should be able to get full details on the decoder in question by going to the NCE web site. I don't use NCE products but I know Digitrax and Lenz have lots of information on their decoders.

Another source of information Loy's Toy's and TTX trains. They both have lots of stuff about decoders. Loy has a table that lists many loco's and decoders that will fit them.

Regards;
Ken

[ndbprr]

You should go to Tony's Train exchange web page where he has installation tips for various engines including pictures of decoders and sound systems installed which believe me are worth more than a thousand words each. I still think this whole decoder thing is far too complex. I favor a standard in which all decoders would fit in a fuel tank and a plug for the decoder would be at that location. It would take pennies more wiring initially for the headlights and that is it. Certainly all road engines could be done in this manner and make the whole thing easier. pop off the fuel tank or remove a door in the bottom like your remote control has for the batteries. install the decoder in the plug and pop the cover back on. This is supposed to be fun.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the assistance. The websites you suggested are very helpful.
The problem seems to be the equipment purchased more than a year or so ago. From all I am reading and hearing in my local shop, the new equipment is very user friendly.

[Anonymous]

Try Loystoys.com search decoder selection by loco. Lifelike GP-18 is listed with a couple of decoder recommendations.
DOes your loco have a decoder socket?? If so - a plug & play will work fine.
Loystoys is a very good supplier. I think that you should be able to find what you need. HE'll also answer eMails concerning decoder choice.

PJH

[Anonymous]

My GP 18 has no decoder socket. Digitrax and my local hobby shop say I have to replace the existing light board and the two headlights thus necessitating the surgery I am trying to avoid. I will check out Loys Toys once again. Thanx