Using N Scale Decoders in HO Scale Locomotives

[richhotrain]

Any downsides to this approach?

It just seems like N scale decoders would fit a lot easier in HO scale diesel locomotives.

What are your thoughts on this?

Rich

[Alantrains]

Provided the decoder is rated for the current drawn by HO scale locos there is no problem using nscale decoders.

cheers

[rrinker]

 Sometimes that's what you have to do when there is no space. Just check that the current draw of the loco does not exceed the decoder's capacity. The 'scale' size on a decoder is really more a guide to the physical size of the thing, except for those decoders which are direct board repalcements for specific N scale locos. There are even smaller 'Z scale' decoders than can handle a 1 amp motor load

               --Randy

[jeffrey-wimberly]

If the decoder can stand up to the current drawn by the loco, motor, lights and any electronics present you can use it. I run HO locos and use mostly Z Scale decoders (Digitrax DZ125). I've used a few N Scale decoders, all Digitrax as well as HO, Digitrax and Bachmann mostly. I have a couple of NCE's and a Lenz floating around somewhere. I don't run any locos with sound.

[Phoebe Vet]

No problem.  I do it all the time.

[retsignalmtr]

I'm using a Digitrax DZ123 in a 60 year old American Flyer HO Hudson for a couple of years now. No Problems.

[mfm37]

You can use any decoder that will handle the current draw of your engine. Scale designations are to specify the smallest scale the decoder is designed to fit.

In other words you probably wouldn't find many N scale engines that would have room for an HO decoder even though it would handle the load.

Martin Myers

[BerkshireSteam]

Was extremely dissatisfied with Bachmanns factory decoder in their GE 44 tonner and replaced it with a Train Control Systems Z2 decoder made for Z/N scale. Was going to use a Digitrax DN125, but the TCS was a little cheaper and I wanted to try something different than Digitrax. Now one of my favorite engines.

[narrow gauge nuclear]

I picked up a wad (10) new digitrax DZ125 decoders for $12.50 each at a recent train show.  I plan on using them for a number of purposes.  I even dragged out an old 1990's HO Atlas RS-1 and slapped one in it and ran it around a dual gauge test oval.  Again, some real deals can be found in decoders if you buy in bulk at the right time and place.  Nothing I will ever run will need the 1 amp these tiny little puppies can handle.

Some, I might even use for layout lighting control! (stationary decode)

Richard

[tstage]

Rich,

I used a Digitrax Z-scale decoder in a Proto 2000 S1 switcher because the room was tight.

Tom

[richhotrain]

tstage

Rich,

I used a Digitrax Z-scale decoder in a Proto 2000 S1 switcher because the room was tight.

Tom

Tom,

I have several Proto 2000 S-1 switchers in which I installed an NCE D12SR decoder.

Which Digitrax Z-scale decoder did you install?

Rich