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DCC to Fleischmann Layout

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  • Member since
    October 2009
  • 2 posts
DCC to Fleischmann Layout
Posted by CP< Railroad on Saturday, October 10, 2009 2:26 AM
I am in the process of building a new layout which will have DCC and want to be able to run my old post WW2 Fleischmann HO trains with it. I expect troubles but has anyone tried this or can you run DC and DCC trains on the same layout. Any input is welcome. Regards Ross
  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Charlotte, NC
  • 6,099 posts
Posted by Phoebe Vet on Saturday, October 10, 2009 8:30 AM

 Sign - Welcome

Most, but not all, DCC systems can run one DC train at a time along with the DCC trains.

You will eventually want to install decoders in the DC trains.

Dave

Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • From: Lake Havasu City, Arizona, now in Guthrie, Oklahoma
  • 665 posts
Posted by luvadj on Saturday, October 10, 2009 11:28 AM

I rarely run a DC loco with a DCC loco, but it can be done....the DC loco will heat up faster, will run hotter and make growling noises at idle. It's sure not something I do or would recommend for long periods of time.

Bob Berger, C.O.O. N-ovation & Northwestern R.R.        My patio layout....SEE IT HERE

There's no place like ~/ ;)

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Sweden
  • 1,468 posts
Posted by Graffen on Sunday, October 11, 2009 3:28 AM

 Older Fleischmann locos can be really hard to install DCC in.

It is due to the fact that they have live chassis and it is hard to isolate the poles on the motor, BUT it can be done! 

I have done a few myself, if you use a multimeter to check your work it´s fine.

Good luck.

Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:

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  • Member since
    July 2007
  • 36 posts
Posted by blrrfan on Sunday, October 11, 2009 7:36 AM
Here is an overview what may can be done to convert an old Fleischmann loco to digital: http://www.modellbahn-online.de/inhalt/digitalsteuerung_flm_motorschilder.php?rubrik=digitalsteuerung

here step by step (pictures!) http://www.modellbahn-online.de/inhalt/digitalsteuerung_umbau_von_alten_flm_motorschildern.php?rubrik=digitalsteuerung

again an overview of the old motor parts which may need insulating http://www.hp-pfeiffer.de/digi_umbau1/fleischmann_motorschilde_uebersicht01/fleischmann-motorschilde01.jpg
left column: problem. see 2nd link ;) (or stay DC on those)
center: cut a prepared bridge (simple to do)
right: ready to go, no changes
  • Member since
    October 2009
  • 2 posts
Posted by CP< Railroad on Sunday, October 18, 2009 2:51 AM
Thanks for the links, and advice. It looks like a lot of work , also what happens to the car lights? rb
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: S.E. Adirondacks, NY
  • 3,246 posts
Posted by modelmaker51 on Friday, October 23, 2009 5:22 PM

If I remember right, they have 14v bulbs in them so they should work without any changes. Most DCC systems put about 14-16v  on the track. If the lights a very bright you might have to change the bulbs to higher voltage ones or put resistors in each car.

The advantage of DCC is that light will always be at a constant brightness.

The disadvantage of DCC is they'll always be on unless you put switches in every car or park them on a track that can be switched off.

Jay 

C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1 

Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums 

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