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Unable to use DCC on Lifelike Proto steamers

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  • Member since
    November 2014
  • 17 posts
Unable to use DCC on Lifelike Proto steamers
Posted by ThumperER9VCB on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 7:53 PM

I have three 2-8-8-2 steam locos.  Marketed in late 90s.  Run great on DC.

They are DCC ready and I have tried TSU and Bachman decoders in

all three.  Locos run hot and eventually quit

The wiring circuit must be at fault in the DCC ready plug.

Is there help for this problem? 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 8:08 PM

There are several different things that could be occuring here.  To determine what is happening you will need a multivolt meter.  The first thing you will want to check is that the motor is isolated from the rails. 

  You will also need to set your locomotive up for DC operation (re-install lightboard or shorting plug depending on type DCC ready locomotive) and check the running current and stall current.

DCC Ready does not necessarily mean that you can just plug in a decoder.  Especially with older run locomotives like yours. 

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