proto 2000 series

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S

Scottew7

Member
i found an engine for sale. the guy said its a proto 2000 series ns sd60m. i don't own one and i was wondering if those where dcc ready or not. its an estate and the guy does not know. what do you guys think of the proto 2000 series? i never had one. thanks
 
Ive heard lots of good things about Proto 2000 locos. Im not sure if there DCC ready or not, as i myself have never had one either, but thats soon to change lol.
 
Proto2000 locos are 'DCC ready' by the fact that their motor is electrically isolated from the frame, unlike the older Athearn bluebox locos. But I've usually ended up buying a decoder specially designed for each P2K I own, due to issues like tight fit, unusual wiring, etc. At least they all had wiring harnesses built-in, I didn't have to do any soldering with any of them.

To determine which decoder a particular brand/model uses, I always ask the folks at Litchfield Station. They know that stuff inside-and-out.
 
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I have several p2k diesel engines. I like them. They are heavy enough to pull some rather long consists. Detail is good.

As far as the SD60, I cannot comment. Most of my p2k's are either F-units or E8/9's. But, I am sure the quality is the same throughout the line.

Nor can I comment about the difficulty in installing a decoder. All of mine were purchased with decoders from my LHS.

Bob
 
I have UP SD60 that has the old cab. It was easy to make DCC by just changing out the lightboard with a Digitrax DH165L0 decoder. I purchased mine in used but excellent shape from a LHS, and it must have had DCC in it at one time.

The only caution about P2K diesels is to make sure that the number board lights are disconnected in some models, including the SD60, since they are wired wrong for DCC and will burn up the decoder. Look here for info:

Digitrax
 
Use the NCE P2KSR drop in decoder or DA102. 4 functions with effects and mapping on all functions.
 
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I have 3 P2K SD60's. Great stuff.

SD60, GP60, and GP38-2's are wired wrong for DCC as posted above. Easy fix is just to remove number board lights.
 
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