Hi!
I've got two HO Spectrum FM H16-44 locos (ATSF zebra striped) that are candidates for DCC conversion. However, after opening one up, it looks like a major task - probably one to be avoided by a non-expert.
Anyone have any experience with this, or comments ???
Thank you !
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Don't recall there being Spectrum Trainmasters.
The best place to check on how to install a decoder in a specific engine is TCS.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/HO_Search/search.html
Peter
Guess there was.
I found this installation guide using google. The guy said it was easy.
If they are the split frame version that I had then they are a challenge for a decoder instal. It can be done. I have done a few split frame conversions. You will have to take the whole loco apart and mill or grind out channels for the wires, isolate the motor brushes, solder wires to the truck frames and grind out a spot for the decoder to fit. A TCS m1 decoder would be a good candidate. It is smaller than a dime and does not require a lot of room. It handles the high amp draw of the heavy locomotive well.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
You will have to completely disassemble loco to isolate the motor from the frame. There are pictures in this link that show you how to do it. Once you load it scroll down to the H16-44 install. The TCS web site has no install pic's of this loco. But I would recomend one of thier M series decoders.
http://www.ppdnmra.com/decoder-inst.pdf
Peter.
The link you provided is great. The one thing I would do is eliminate the hot frame setup. I never rely on the wipers making good contact with the bottom of the frame. This has been a problem with all the Spectrum locos I have seen. Soldering wires to the trucks directly to the decoder would eliminate a potential contact problem.
Yup, they are the split frame versions, probably over 12 years old (Spectrum # 81220), and the install is as big a job as I imagined. When I couldn't find reference to them on the TCS website, I knew I was in trouble. At least for now, I'll put them in my "ECSB" (Ebay Christmas Sales Box).
Thanks all for your input, I certainly appreciate it.
locoi1sa Peter. The link you provided is great. The one thing I would do is eliminate the hot frame setup. I never rely on the wipers making good contact with the bottom of the frame. This has been a problem with all the Spectrum locos I have seen. Soldering wires to the trucks directly to the decoder would eliminate a potential contact problem. Pete
Pete,
I'll have to take your word for it. I am strictly a plug and play type of guy.
Ya if you really like the engines, buying newer chassis for them isn't a bad idea. You might find some online for a good price, in fact if you shop around you might even find somebody selling one of the engines on ebay that are already converted to DCC. Or just set them aside until you're more comfortable doing "hardwire" conversions.
BTW when these first came out the H-16-44's were mislabelled "Baby TrainMasters" by the manufacturer. TrainMasters were H-24-66's, the "baby" TMs were H-16-66's. Similar size engine (same height and width, but the "babies" were about 3' shorter and lower power.
IIRC H="Hood", 24= 2400 horsepower, "66" meant "six axles, six motors" (i.e. all axles powered).
On an overhead shot, the big spotting different between the H16-66 and H24-66 is that the H24-66 has 4 radiator fans and the H16-66 only has 3. Othewrwise very similar, hence the "Baby Trainmaster" moniker. The H16044 was a compeltely different animal.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Sadly, it looks like my two Atlas ATSF zebra striped RSD 4/5s are in the same degree of difficulty as the Spectrums.... Darn, they are Kato motored and ran beautifully on my old DC layout.
I wonder if anyone will put out similar ATSF zebra striped Alco locos that are DCC friendly............
The Atlas/Kato RS/RSD's are super simple. You need a board replacement decoder like a TCS A4X, that plastic 'board' comes out and the decoder snaps on. Connect the truck pickups and motor wires, and solder the light bulb to the middle contacts marked for it. ALthough it's MUCH nicer to cut down the light bars a bit and fit an individual light for forward and reverse - an LED heat-shrinked to the end of the light bar works well.