Decoder selection for Bowser steam engines

[Redvdub1]

I have built Bowser/Penn Line K-4 Pacific, E-6 Atlantic, I-1 Decapod, Consolidation, and have a T-1 in the shop.  All the built engines have DC-70 motors which I have isolated from the frame.  I'm ready for a decoder install.  I don't see any web postings for decoder installs on these engines...Anyone?  Thks. 

[RR_Mel]

I have several Bowser DC70/DC71 locomotives all wired for DCC.  I have used MRC, Digitrax and Soundtraxx decoders and all work OK.  I have never liked the brush/commutator arcing of the DC70/DC71 motors so I put back to back Zener diodes (1N5355) across the brushes to reduce the voltage spikes to the decoder.

 

I haven’t lost a decoder driving a DC70 or DC71 motor but be warned locked rotor can be well over 1 amp.

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[Redvdub1]

Thanks Mel..I've enjoyed your blog for years.  I found a prior posting from you...same subject. 

I use two 18 volt 5 watt Zener diodes (1N5355) back to back across the motor power wires.  I have never had a decoder go bad in any of my Athearn BBs with the diodes installed.

 

 Question..to get forward and reverse protection do I need two pairs of Zeners??

 

 

[RR_Mel]

Redvdub1

 

 

 Question..to get forward and reverse protection do I need two pairs of Zeners??

 

 

 

You only need two Zeners, I install mine negative to negative in series with the two positives across the motor brushes per the drawing (left pair in the drawing).

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[garya]

Redvdub1

I have built Bowser/Penn Line K-4 Pacific, E-6 Atlantic, I-1 Decapod, Consolidation, and have a T-1 in the shop.  All the built engines have DC-70 motors which I have isolated from the frame.  I'm ready for a decoder install.  I don't see any web

 

 

postings for decoder installs on these engines...Anyone?  Thks. 

 

I have a couple of Boswer Steam Locomotives, a Casey Jones and an H-9, but both have the "newer" DC-71 motor ready for DCC, with the skewed armature.  I used TCS T1s in both, and they work just fine.  I can't afford sound at the moment.  I'm building an E-6 now, and that has the newer motor, too, so I'll probably put a T1 in that as well.

I've recently acquired a couple of Bowser kits with older motors waiting in the build pile, so I may look into the diodes Mel references.