I have two old time steam locos. an IHC premier series 4-4-0 old timer "jupiter" balloon stack and a model power old time Fat boy" 0-4-0 with tender. Can I install a decoder in them and if so what is recommended and how do I do it?
Personally, I'd say neither one of those engines is worth the cost of a decoder unless they run exceptionally well. DCC is not a cure-all for a poor running model; in fact, it will probably run worse under DCC than DC.
Yes, the age and quality of the engines is an important consideration. Another way to look at it - if the engine doesn't run well on DC, it will run evern worse on DCC.
But, they might work OK, if they do run well on DC. Are they relatively quiet, or is there a lot of motor noise? This is another clue, because it indicates a lower quality motor and drive that might not upgrade well.
If they run exceptionally well and they're quiet, think about sound. One nice thing about steam is the tender, which is usually empty, always attached to the locomotive, and makes a great place for the speaker. You can probably put a decoder there as well.
For a basic decoder, though, I'd get a TCS T1. They work very well and they come with a goof-proof guarantee. They'll replace it even if you destroy it by miswiring.
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The other posts are corect about the decoder instals. Amp draw should be measured before any decoder instal. The old Model Power should be close to this loco.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Rivarossi/0-6-0_SaddleTank/rivarossi_0_6_0_saddle_tank.htm
As for the IHC I do not know. Is the motor in the tender on your Jupiter?
Pete
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I have the IHC Jupiter and it has the motor in the tender. No room for a speaker. I installed a N gauge Lenz decoder in mine and it runs fairly well. I modified the tender trucks to pickup from all the tender wheels.
I have seen a page with this boiler installed on a new Roundhouse 4-4-0 frame which makes a nice looking loco for the era, plus there is room in the tender for sound and speaker. Quite a lot of work though. The two behind bashed into the front.
I would not bother with the 0-4-0.
Photo of the DCC decoder install. IHC, lower left. The shot adds weight to the tender. Looks messy but the tender cover hides it all.
Your mileage may vary.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.