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I have a chance to buy a brand new HO Proto 2000 0-8-0 switcher for $135.00 from a trusted dealer. It is not DCC ready.
My questions are: Is this a good runner and how hard is it to install an appropriate decoder? It doesn't have to be a sound decoder. I am somewhat experienced at installing decoders in older as well as newer diesels, but have never done it in a steamer. I model the late 1950's.
Any info is appreciated!
Dave
I don't know very much at all about DCC, as my new layout must accomodate a LOT of DC equipment. I DO know that DC-equipped locomotives must have the motors insulated from the frame before installing a DCC decoder. I DON'T know whether this locomotive has an insulated motor mount or not. That would be the first thing I would check out.
They are wonderfully detailed and reliable runners. I have the smaller 0-6-0, but both P2K Heritage series switchers enjoy a solid reputation. The only complaint is that they are not strong pullers. They are probably three ounces light.
I don't know the details, but the brushes in the motor must not get power directly from the wipers. Those wires must go to the decoder and the decoder's outputs should power the motor.
This is a very nice running engine, smooth quiet and nice slow speed performance. This engine is sort of DCC ready as it has an eight pin socket which attaches to the factory light board which supplies the 1.5 volt headlight/back-up light bulbs. You discard the light board and plug in decoder but unless you want burnt out headlights you'll have to replace the headlight and back-up light with 12-14 volt bulbs or a better option is LED's with a 1k resistor for each LED. I've owned several of these(non factory sound) and have added sound and non sound decoders to all of them along with changing to LED's instead of light bulbs. There is a cast weight attached to the tender floor and a speaker can be mounted under this, you'll have to drill holes in the floor where you mount the speaker. There is enough room for most standard size(H.O.)decoders within the tender body. The basic decoder installation is covered in the factory owners manual that comes with this model. Good luck!
Thanks Wiso2, that's just the kind of info I was looking for. Guess I'll give it a go.
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