Older N scale diesels & DCC modified frame choices

[videobruce]

I have 27 15 year old N scale diesels (1996) that are not DDC friendly.
I'm thinking about going DCC, but cost & the trouble retrofitting these are killers.

Other than Aztec & Souther Digital, are there any other companies that make frames for these engines?

 

[WCWBrassHat]

Bruce,

The only other choice is to modify the frames your self with a hack saw and a file. IF they are Atlas or Kato engines, check to see if they have light boards in them. If they do TCS may have a decoder that will be less trouble.

If you are planning to use code 55 track, you need to check to see how deep the flanges are on your old locomotives. I have had to put my old engines out to pasture due to changing to code 55 track.

Glenn

 

[videobruce]

I haven't opened any up yet. I don't remember exactly what they look like inside.
Not including two non-powered 'B' units;

Atlas;
2 GP7
5 U25b
2 GP35
4 RS3
3 GP 40
2 GP20

Life Like;
2 E7a
2 GP18
2 E8
2 FA2
2 GP20

 

[catt]

The ATLAS units you have listed all have individual lightboards TCS has an app for that.

The LifeLike units except for the GP20 will be different,the GP 20 should be the same as the ATLAS units.

The 2 piece TCS decoders need to be hard wired,but you get all the toys the boards have (so I have been told).

 

[videobruce]

How about isolating the motors from the frames? Is that a issue with any of these?