Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but I recently picked up an older Rivarossi three truck Heisler 1532. It runs fine, just needs some oil...but I want to upgrade from DC to DCC. Sadly I don't know anything about the process...and I have several older locomotives, mostly Athearn. Anyone done this before or have any idea on how it may be done?
This is an installation. It may well be a newer model than yours
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Rivarossi/3_Truck_Heisler/3_Truck_Heisler.html
At will at least give you an idea of how one comes apart. Googling your locos and DCC installation will likely bring up some youtube videos that are helpful. i'm only on my second conversion, so I can't contribute much.
Everyone says to replace bulbs with LED's. You may need a resistor with the LED, depending on the decoder.
Welcome to the forum.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
If new to DCC, I would strongly suggest doing a lot of research.
You need to measure the DC current at twelve volts DC, locked rotor, and make sure both motor contacts do not connect to both rail pickups. I am assuming a DC model. Decoders will smoke at the slightest incorrect wiring connection.
First power up on the program track. That way your DCC controller should warn you. Happened to me some years ago.
TCS site has instructions for the two and three truck locos.
A 1k, ¼ watt resistor for LED’s.
Decoders come with wiring instructions.
The link is active.
An older sound install but not very clear. The new Tsunami are better choices and slightly smaller.
http://mrdccu.com/install/hoss/Rivarossi-Heisler.html
This is an older model.
http://www.railroadredux.com/2011/03/adding-dcc-to-a-rivarossi-heisler/
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.
Mine is an older model so that last link is going to help alot!!! Now I just need to convince my electrician friend that this is a cause worthy of his time!