Forget the Kato EM13 decoer. It is a hunk of junk. Spoke to the Kato technician today and was told that all that it controls is the moter speed, no lights or other functions.
I then called TCS and spoke to their technbican and he told me that their CN-GP decoder will work. It is a three function decoder and has bright white LED's for the lights.
Yes, the Kato EM13 should work, BUT since this is a center cab with light boards on both ends do I use one or two EM13's and use the original light borad on the other? If two EM13's are they set up the same as far as CV's are concerned?
I have several Kato Shinkansens that use the Kato EM-13 decoder. That is absolutely the easiest decoder in the world to install. Limited functions, but solid and reliable.
Sorry, but I don't know about other JR locomotives, but they could be similar. There are a few Japan Rail modelers on this forum. Hopefully, one might chime in soon.
Good luck.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
Ira, I'm no expert but from what I can see, the JNR is a Japanese prototype so that probably explains why no one is replying.
I searched for the Web for a decoder corresponding to a GE SL144 and did not find anything. If you are going for a non-sound decoder, then you can probably use pretty much any decoder and hardwire it. I'm not going to get into which one is the best, lots of threads here about the merits of each make. Take your measurements and take your pick.
Installing a sound decoder is another matter if you want to be close to the prototype. This site (https://www.thedieselshop.us/DataSL144.HTML) indicates that the motor for this loco was a 4 cycle KTA 1150L Cummins model. Assuming you have an HO model, Sounddraxx has something that would be at least close (Tsunami 750 GE cummins) (http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/750.php).
Maybe real experts will join the conversation...
Simon
I have a Kato JNR DE13 locomotive. I would like to use it as a GE SL144 center cab locomotive since it looks pretty close in design. I would like to know which decoder to install in it. Any help would be greatley apprecieted.
Ira