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Converting a dockside 0-4-0 to dcc

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  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, October 9, 2020 11:24 AM

 Some of those micro decoders are mighty small. As long as you test the DC current draw and it's within the limits of the small DZ decoder, you should have no problem. Might have to get a bit creative on where to stick it, if this is the older Rivarossi Docksider with the motor that fills the cab - otherwise in the cab or up under the cab roof is usually a good place on a small loco.

                                   --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,584 posts
Posted by rrebell on Friday, October 9, 2020 9:51 AM

Someone on u-tube converted a Sakai "Varney lookalike" to DCC and sound, so it can be done.

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by snjroy on Friday, October 9, 2020 8:44 AM

richg1998

I hace stuck a Digitrax DZ126 decoder into quite small places. One amp, two functions. Quite small. Google it. Z, N and HO scale.

You might find the first one on ebay, the DZ125 which I also used. Not much bigger than a thick dime, minus the short wires.

Rich

 

I agree with Rich. I have used the above decoder for a number of locomotives where space is tight. And the price is right. It is surprisingly "powerful" and features good motor control. I personally don't care for sound when it comes to switchers. The sound just does not match well with the back and fort movements of the switcher. How old is your engine? 1 amp should be OK for the old Rivarossi motors.

Simon

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,474 posts
Posted by ndbprr on Friday, October 9, 2020 6:33 AM

Rivarossi.  Surprising good low speed control on dc.  Will be my scrap company switcher. Might need help from a micro surgeon for this one

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, October 8, 2020 7:36 PM

I hace stuck a Digitrax DZ126 decoder into quite small places. One amp, two functions. Quite small. Google it. Z, N and HO scale.

You might find the first one on ebay, the DZ125 which I also used. Not much bigger than a thick dime, minus the short wires.

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.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, October 8, 2020 8:51 AM

 Which brand? There have been many Docksides produced over the years, Varney, Rivarossi, Life Like, and that's not all of them.

                                        --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,474 posts
Converting a dockside 0-4-0 to dcc
Posted by ndbprr on Thursday, October 8, 2020 8:23 AM

Has anyone done this succesfully. If so what decoder and where did ypu put it. Thank you

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