Steam locos and decoders

[mikesmowers]

    I am wanting to make up a tourist train on my modern day layout and am looking at a Kato 2-8-2 for power. How does a person go about putting a decoder in a steam loco? I have several diesel locos that have the "drop in" decoders, is this the same principal as with Steam locos?  

  Also...Will the 2-8-2 pull about 4-6 passenger cars up a 2% grade Okay?  Thanks.       Mike

[tstage]

Mike,

I don't know much about Kato's N-scale 2-8-2.  Do you know if it's DCC-ready?

There should be an electrical connection between the locomotive and the tender.  The shell of the tender should come apart.  That would be the place to put your decoder.  If it doesn't come apart, that's a big problem.

Mike, good news!  I just found this link on the Digitrax Web site:

http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dccconv/ka282.html

That should answer your questions.

Here's the Digtrax recommended selection link:

http://www.digitrax.com/decsel.php

Looks like the frame will have to be modified.

Tom

[jrbernier]

  The original run was not DCC ready - I believe the new runs are - Should be something on the packaging.  I did install a decoder in one of the original ones.  The engine is made like a Chinese puzzle!   Here is a link describing it:

http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dccconv/ka282.html

 

Jim

[mikesmowers]

 Thanks for the help, I will find another loco for the job. Any steam locos that I can easily convert to Dcc, preferably in the 2-8-? style?          Mike

[tstage]

Mike,

Here's what M.B. Klein has listed on their web site for N-scale steam:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N_Scale_Steam_Locomotives_s/1457.htm

Looks like there's a 2-8-0 Consolidated and 2-8-4 Berkshire in N.  Both the Bachmann 2-8-0s and Proto 2000 2-8-4s have been very good in HO.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[CNCharlie]

I'm an HO guy but am planning on a small N layout for which I'm gathering a few locos and rolling stock.

On another thread I asked PC about that Proto N Berkshire and if it can be converted to DCC. He sent me the links to a couple of sites and the short answer is not very easily. It is a major dissasembly job and not to be attempted unless you're very experienced. I therefore abandoned thoughts of a Berk and am looking at a Bachmann Mountain.

CN Charlie