A guide on converting a Lima class 47 to DCC

Hard wiring a model to dcc can be very daunting so I thought I’d do a guide on dccing one of the more basic models. Hopefully you’ll find this useful

[@aidansauto]

Which DCC decoder is this? I can’t seem to find TCS W5X online. I have 3 Lima C 47 I would like to convert over

[@fyfieldjunction]

This is an American brand of decoder. I only used it purely because I managed to get it very cheap. I don’t recommend using it though. For Lima models I recommend using laisdcc 8 pin decoders. You can buy them on eBay for about £13 each including postage. Just cut off the 8 pin plug then hard wire the relevant wires 👍

[@aidansauto]

@@fyfieldjunction thanks. I really appreciate this. I presume relevant wiring diagram comes with the decoder yes?

[@fyfieldjunction]

The wiring is exactly the same as with this decoder 👍

[@railway187]

Interesting video! Did I understand well that it would be possible to solder a capacitor on the connections of the motor shield? Or would it take more than just connect both legs of the capacitor, one to each pole of the motor shield?

[@fyfieldjunction]

On analogue the capacitor goes on the motor contacts yes. On DCC a capacitor isn’t needed so it’s best to remove it

[@trainsmarocains]

Very interesting video, In analog what capacitor value

[@bobsmith-jb5ni]

My 47 only has the single black wire from the pickup bogie, where should it go?

[@fyfieldjunction]

Hi bob. If there is only one wire coming from the dummy bogie then it should connect to the piece of metal that connects to the chassis

[@lauriepocock3066]

For years my CV said loves cars and planes hates traines, but recently I have started to take an interest in model traines but only on a very tight budget. I brought a 0 6 0 pannier for £12 and then thought I need a controller and for £13 brought a Zero1 controller and got it to work. Now I have a Ardunino Mega and power shield set up and talking to JMRI on my computer, but my £20 DCC fitted engine tries to connect but I get error message that the decoder is not recognised . When I opened the engine up it up it was flooded with oil and when I connected power I noticed that there was faint smoke coming from the decoder module and closer inspection I can see that one of the components appears to be melting, but my question is this , there is a capacitor across the motor connections, is this correct or has someone tried to fix this problem before?

[@fyfieldjunction]

The capacitor across the motor terminals is normal for all locos however if a model is chipped then sometimes it is worth removing the capacitor as it can effect the chips operation however this is rare. If a component on the decoder has melted then the chip has blown therefore your going to need a new decoder.

[@lauriepocock3066]

@@fyfieldjunction just to confirm with DCC the capacitor is placed across the red and black wires, mine is across the orange and grey which i think shoild not be there?

[@fyfieldjunction]

@@lauriepocock3066 if the model is DCC fitted then you can remove the capacitor is it isn’t necessary.

[@marcuswilkins9018]

Hi I just purchased a Lima class 37 I need to covert to DCC.

[@fyfieldjunction]

Hi Marcus. The Lima class 37 uses the exact same mechanism as the 47 therefore this guide can be used for that loco as well 👍

[@marcuswilkins9018]

@@fyfieldjunction that’s good to hear thank you. Never attempted it before and I’m usually all thumbs no fingers with stuff like this lol

[@marcuswilkins9018]

@@fyfieldjunction Do you fancy having doing mine ;-)

[@fyfieldjunction]

@@marcuswilkins9018 I am considering creating a Facebook page in which people can contact me if they’d like a model DCC fitting however haven’t done it yet. I’d be happy to do your 37 if you’d like me to however I won’t be able to for a little while. Keep me in the loop and I’ll let you know when I’m ready to start doing work on other peoples models 👍

[@jackstephens7562]

What is the best model in your fleet

[@fyfieldjunction]

Good question there mate. To be honest I’m not really sure about that

[@jackstephens7562]

@@fyfieldjunction I got some good models but most of mine are steam