I took a different approach that certainly will not be right for everyone:
Knowing that the older engines may or may not work well with current decoders, and because some of the latest engines today are much better in many ways, I have actually replaced all my engines with brand new fully dcc and sound equipped units, excepting one legacy MTH SD70M-2.
Using a simple DPDT toggle switch to control power, I can still run that one engine with a plain dc MRC Tech 7...but likely soon enough we'll decide to sell it and then we (son and I) will be all dcc.
Again--this approach will not work for some. In my particular case, my son and I don't have that many locos (less than 20 total) and it was easy for us to consign the outgoing units to the local train store for sale.
John
Rich,
Adding to what others have said - I would contact the local NMRA and ask if there is anyone local who does this type of work. It will be cheaper (no shipping costs) and you can more easily coordinate the details of the delivery. I would be hesitant to ship my prized (or even sot so prized) locomotives through the mail to have decoders installed due to the possibility of damage during shipping.
I suspect that eventually you will end up learning how to do this yourself. It is not hard once you get the hang of it. Start with a simpler install and work your way up. There are lots of youtube videos and other information on how to install decoders online.
Since you mentioned Soundtraxx, I presume we are talking about sound decoders. All of the big three are good - Loksound, Soundtraxx and TCS. Each have strengths and weaknesses. Always buy the latest version of sound decoders and I would avoid used decoders. I use soundtraxx exclusively although I have operated the other brands at various layouts in the area.
Have fun and welcome to the forums,
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
I've also done most of my decoder installations myself, but I did have one done through my LHS. He's retired now. He had a separate guy who did complicated installations like mine. This was a small switcher so getting everything in was quite a challenge.
The old engines are mostly easy, as they generally have a lot of space inside. The new ones, or N-scale engines, are much harder.
Let us know what scale you run and what model of engines you plan to convert. Also, whether or not you want sound. We can usually give better guidance with more information.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I was going say try your local hobbyshop also. My local shop "has a guy" that does installs. Another option was asking around at local train shows. If I had a lot of older engines I'm sure I could do it myself. But this guy knows just which decoders and speaker to use per given locos and will run them for me when I pick them up.
I would go to a good local hobby shop and ask. Is there one near you? Otherwise, you will pay for postage, in addition to labour and the hardware. Unless you have deep pockets, it's often hard to justify for older locomotives, except for sentimental value locos.
Of course, you can always learn and do it on your own. That's what I did. I do basic stuff, which is usually sufficient for older locos. It's not that hard. Opening the shell is probably the worst part for me!
Simon
I've use DCC Xpress for a Bachmann Shay. https://www.dxinstalls.com/
He used a Wow sound decoder. All my diesel locos have loksound decoders and either came from the factory, or I installed the decoder.
Soldering skills and a decent soldering iron and 30 ga wire are necessary. In some of the older locos, space for speakers or even the decoder is limited.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I have had great service from Engine House Services in Green Bay WI. I also let them pick the decoder that best suites the engine.
Mark B.
I don't have any experience with DCC installers because I've either purchased locomotives with the decoder already installed (sound), or did the DCC install myself (both non-sound & sound). For online vendors with reputations:
Tony's Train Exchange (already mentioned by Richard)
Litchfield Station
Litchfield is also a very good source for DCC-related stuff. And their S&H costs are VERY reasonable. If it fits in a small padded envelope it's $4.00.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Rich- sending you a PM.
Welcome to the forums.
I have dealt with Tony's Train Exchange and been happy with their work. You can go to thier site, Tony's Trains to see what they offer amd the cost for various types of installations.. They are in Essex Jct, VT, but will ship items.
I let them pick the best decoder for the loco being upgraded.
Have fun,
Richard
I'm just starting to use DCC (I have the NCE Cab system, and two factory installed DCC Locos). I am polling the expertise out there to ask: what companies will install DCC modules into the locos I have that don't already have it, and may not already have the plugs in place (so it wouold need to be installed from scratch). What has your experience been with the quality of installation, and the value for the cost of installation?
Also, what DCC decoders do you prefer? SoundTraxx? Others?
Thank you for your responses.