tyco plymouth switcher

[roadrat]

Has anyone tried to hook up DCC to a tyco plymouth switcher, I am hoping to use this little critter to haul 2 flat cars back and forth to a saw mill.
Yes I know Tyco=toy/junk! but this little switcher is amazingly well built and with some detailing and weathering it should be alright.

[Anonymous]

I dont know if that little toy motor could handle DCC.

[Anonymous]

Im sure you could do it, I have installed decoders in old Bachmans, Model Power, & Life Likes.

[Pennsy58]

Although not exactly the same, I installed DCC into my old AHM plymouth switcher. No problems. I used the TCS M-1 decoder and it fit without problems. The key would be to look closely as to how power is pulled from the truck and to the motor.
By the way, it runs great still.

[cacole]

The big question that must be answered to determine if you can install a decoder into the Tyco Plymouth is whether or not it has a metal frame, and if it does, is the motor screwed directly to that frame? The motor must be totally isolated from the frame, or your decoder will become a smoke generator as soon as you turn the power on. Check the resistance between the motor frame and locomotive frame. If you get a reading of zero, modifications may be necessary to isolate the motor. Other than this, there should be no problem as long as there is room for a decoder.

[roadrat]

I've checked out the moter and it is part of the frame so I guess its no good for DCC
but thats alright I've checked my track plan and I'm going to mod it so that the logging line is seperate and run it as DC.

thanks everyone for the help.

bill

[cacole]

Even if the motor is screwed directly to the frame, there may still be some hope. Assuming that the motor is held in place with one or two metal screws, you could remove it, place electrical tape between the motor and frame, and then use nylon screws instead of the metal ones to re-fasten the motor. Most motors only have one screw holding them down. If the bottom of the motor is perfectly flat you might even be able to use a piece of double-sided white foam tape to stick the motor in place. Clean the frame and motor with rubbing alcohol so the tape will adhere better.