Is This DCC-able?

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I'm not afraid to hard wire a decoder into a loco. But I'd really like to stay away from having to isolate motors, custom build mounts, etc.

I'd really like to have the Atlas version but ebay isn't exactly full of them and at $100 each my dreams for a fleet of six could get expensive!
 


Mac, it shouldn't be a problem to add a decoder although you will have to do some soldering. Most of the Spectrum Silver series engines I've seen have isolated motors but you'll need to solder everything else. The only thing that has me concerned is that it apparently comes with NMRA couplers. Some of the early split frame units did not have isolated motors and need to have shielded wiring so you don't get a short to the frame.
 
The thing about isolating motors is both a misnomer and nothing to be afraid of. Most engines are not isolated from the frames, What you want to make sure is that the motor poles are isolated from the frame. You can do this by putting one lead of your multi-meter on the and the other on the axles of your trucks.

You should at least check this on all decoder installations that are not plug and play. More often than not, it is not an issue.
 
macjet said:
On a related note, can someone tell me the difference between a Phase I and II Dash 8?
Click to expand...
The difference is in the nose.

"The shape... specifically at the top front where the later style is flatter instead of having a pronounced peak like the earlier style...

Early: http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/C40-8/7506CSX-bc.jpg
Late: http://www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/C40-8/7595CSX-bc.jpg

The anticlimbers are also different..." CurtMc's info from the Atlas forum.
 
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