Since Con Cor ignores its older locos, there is little info on them, let alone info on how to install DCC into them. I have several of their 4-8-4s and a 2-8-8-2. Does anyone have any experience with these locos or know where to find a how to on installing decoders into them? I am kind of new to DCC so lack the expertise to do it without help.
Check the various decoder manufacturers and dealers web sites and see if any of them have instructions for Con-Cor products; i.e., Litchfield Station, TCS, Lenz, Digitrax, Tony's Trains, Ulrich, etc.
Look through Model Railroader magazine advertisers to find the various decoder installer sites.
It was my understanding that the early steam engines being marketed by Con-Cor were really Rivarossi units made especially for Con-Cor.
I tend to agree since their mechanisms look like the Riverosis I had many years ago
For new DCC users, might not be easy. SOP, measure motor current at 12 VDC, Some press lightly on the drivers, some stop the drivers but that can be hard on the gears.
Choose the appropriate decoder. Many decoders are rated at 1.0 amps for total required current for motor and lights. Some might be good to 1.5 amps but always check the decoder specs.
Make sure there are no wires on the two motor terminals. Only the two decoder motor wires attach there.
These locos most probably have 12 to 14 volt light bulbs but that is a guess.
Follow the directions that come with the decoder.
NCE, TCS, Digitrax are three non sound decoders that many use. I will let you search out those companies.
Other will comment.
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.