How to Convert a 40 year old DC Only AHM/Mehano to DCC.

Channel Donation Steam Locomotive from Lynn McCurdy at the High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club. AHM imported from Mehano 2-8-2 Mikado. Late 80's version. Lets throw a Digitrax Decoder in it just to see what it does.
#classicmodeltrains
#mehanotrains
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‪@classicmodeltrains‬
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[@rickestabrook4987]

Wow Ron. Such a hassle and frustration, And you're an expert. Thank you for this important warning, heads-up, lesson. Cheers

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hi Rick. Yes a lot of hoops to jump thru for.............??? :-)

[@ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains]

DC = 2 wires and instant joy.

[@johnmalley4355]

I will watch you do the ole DCC stuff. I tried doing it off n on the last 7 or so years, my wife told me to stop trying, kept getting frustrated and throwing the darn controller across the room. She said go back to how I used to do my trains (DC), I didn’t get mad so much back then. She’s right. (for me anyway) good show Ron, loved the candy history part too, was fun.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello John, Yes that DCC is a pain and unreliable in my opinion.

[@lotsatrains]

I know exactly what you mean and that’s why I have never even tried to go DCC myself and don’t even have the system I just go old school 👍

[@johnmalley4355]

Smart… Your better off not doing DCC. It’s not worth it. Old school is way better…

[@lotsatrains]

@@johnmalley4355 thanks and I agree 👍

[@toycarcollector]

Ron, your videos are both informative and entertaining. You have unique style that no one else could copy. You have a great personality that comes across genuine! Rock (Island) on!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!!

[@joeraderblackrockcentralrr]

now that video is very useful. THANKS RON

[@classicmodeltrains]

thanks for watching Joe

[@bluesboyst]

Another cool video Ron.. The Necco company was in Cambridge MA. I used to work for Lotus Development (remember the spread sheet Lotus 123) and they were in Cambridge. I would ride by the Necco company in the early 2000's. They had rail service provided by Guilford.....It was pronounced 'Neck Co'

[@classicmodeltrains]

That damn wikipedia gave me bad info. Us midwesterners call it as I pronounced it. I do remember lotus, was too young to use it. I had no numbers to crunch :-)

[@johnbanicki7232]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. We have a local candy store that specializes in all the old candy. None of them taste as good as I remember. The necco wafers made great targets for our bb guns. Never did like to eat them. LOL

[@classicmodeltrains]

Targets for BB guns ........ I LOVE IT!!

[@AEStudt]

Never really cared for those Neccos Ron but learned something new

[@classicmodeltrains]

There worse than I remember :-)

[@AEStudt]

@@classicmodeltrains definitely could tell by the Mrs. Reaction lol

[@franktino6676]

I would have over dosed on the NECCO's if I had attempted to do a first time DCC install, Ron without your expertise and great instructional video. 🍬

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Frank. You would have a sore jaw eating too many of them Neccos :-)

[@franktino6676]

Hahaha --As you folks said in the video, I never remember those NECCOs ever being that hard as a kid! @@classicmodeltrains

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

I would like to see a post-war Lionel AC conversion to DC followed by a DCC upgrade. Are you up for it? I don't even know if that's possible. I still pack NECCO Wafers in my ski jacket, rumor has it the peppermint ones will spark under the right conditions, if you're trying to start a survival fire. I hope to never need to rely on this. 😉

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello John, Lionel has there own type of digital system that does the same thing as DCC for HO scale. I believe its a lot more stable than DCC is. I forgot about the white ones sparking.

[@2045American]

😊😊 super...2-8-2 Mikado,.. Classic model train.😊😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks!

[@leedooley502]

Good job, Ron. I will stick with DC for now.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Lee and me too :-)

[@lotsatrains]

Wow that really turned out well and runs great even coming from an old school guy like me who doesn’t have a DCC system.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks! People really bitch about Mehano's and I don't know why.

[@raynagy7660]

I watch all the videos love them thanks for all the awesome videos

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much Ray

[@raynagy7660]

Your channel is the best by far

[@darrellnorton2208]

Grand vid as always. . Enjoy the random history snippets. Keep up the great work ✌️

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Darrel

[@silvertrain7945]

Thanks for another great video. The DCC rabbit hole can be bottom less. I have installed a number of decoders in my day as well. Then people find out that you can do it and want you to do all of their decoders too. Thanks again Ron!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Uh-Oh.....Good thing the local club has a DCC guy already :-)

[@jasonw2671]

Great video. DCC to me is a godsend especially for large clubs. If the wiring isn’t done correctly or is hodgepodged together, it’s going to be problematic. I will say this though, it isn’t for everyone and can be very finicky and frustrating. I’m pretty basic with DCC and personally I think there are a lot of people that make it too difficult and complicated, just like the real railroad. As for used decoders, most the time I don’t bother with them as I’ve never had good luck with them as there is a reason they were removed in the first place. I also replace all bulbs in locomotives to led as they last forever and give off no heat so it is good for plastic shells. Keep the great videos coming as I always look forward to new content! PS: even most of us New Englanders don’t really like Necco wafers as they always taste like chalk. lol. PSS: Always enjoy the Chase Elliott hats.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Jason! Thanks for this great comment and an inside look at the locals with the neck-os

[@bernardc2553]

LOL I got the 1st notice about doing a dcc & here you are like Magic yah Ole Lynn McCurdy is a good Guy

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup Lynn is a great Feller for sure

[@marklinzeit]

Hi Ron, so nice to see the little lady. She seems incredibly nice (just like you), and even puts up with you - what a bonus! I fight with the DCC stuff as well, with all the words and craziness. It makes my head spin. I have never done the CV thing as it is just too hard for me. One last funny thing - the British say sol-der-ing, pronouncing the letter L very clearly. They think soldering without the L is hilarious. Can you imagine why?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings Marklin, I will over pronunciate the "L" sometimes just for shits and giggles. Many people from all over who watch these video's always like to "correct" my Upper Midwestern pronunciation of thinks to match up with there dialect. Have not been busted for my "L-less" soldering pronunciation yet ;-)

[@garnetbowcott6742]

Hey Ron, great channel, really like watching the older DC trains, but this was my favorite video so far, hope you do more DCC conversion videos. Learned alot, thanks Garnet.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup, plan on doing more of these in the future

[@gmaneis]

Hi Ron. I just started watching your stuff not too terribly long ago, and am wondering what you mean by 33%-ers. Really enjoyed your Necco wafers bit. Fun! I really admire the way you aren't afraid to dig into these cantankerous little engines. Thanks for a great video.🙂

[@classicmodeltrains]

The analytics KZbin provides for creators shows a audience retention graph for each video. 100% retention at 1 second in. the line goes down as the video progresses. At the end of the video there is still 33% of the people watching. so a 33%er is someone who watches the whole video. I hear on average 28-36% retention is normal on the KZbin.

[@SantaFeBob]

Another great video. Awesome demonstration. You make it look fun and easy. You have more patience than I do. LOL Thank you for taking the time to share this installation. Keep up the DCC videos coming so that I may eventually change from DC to DCC. Not everything, but some locomotives. 40+ years of collecting is a lot of DCC decoders. $$$$ adds up.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Bob! Yup. will keep on doing some vids on conversions :-)

[@quintinbarnhart]

Those decoders are my go to for silent or non sound locos in my fleet. They are tough, reliable, and small enough to work in moderately tight locations. I’m sorry you had so much trouble with it, I’ve never had one go bonkers like that before! Excellent video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

If I would have set CV8 to 8 at the get go it would have been just fine. Lessons can be learned from mistakes as well as successes. Thanks for the kind words :-)

[@davecrosson5018]

Thanks for showing us some DCC stuff! All my gear is DC but planning to take the plunge one of these days. Nice to know what I'm getting myself into!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Any time!

[@w.rustylane5650]

I don't really care for DCC but I enjoy your videos so I have to watch. I've got several Mehano engines and they all run very well. I did change all the incandescent bulbs to LED's and put in a full wave bridge rectifier to keep the rear LED lit all the time Cheers from eastern TN

[@classicmodeltrains]

I dont care for it much either

[@josephrandazo2627]

Thank you. I will as soon as I can get the items I need and go DCC with one of my better repaired units.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on!!

[@misterandersson5645]

Nice to see that old unit taking a step into the modern age. And the same goes for the locomotive! 😉 It sure makes you thankful for DCC ready locos with just a plug to connect, but nice work, as always! Now we only need to see a rubber band drive getting chipped as well. / Carl, 33%-er from Sweden

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Carl from Sweden! My roots on my Mom's side come from your neck of the world. Your first line made me laugh :-) Your the second Feller to mention DCCing a band drive. I might have to do it just for shits and giggles.

[@jansenhobbs2214]

I did my first dcc blunami conversion this summer to a Bachman g scale tenwheeler tenth anniversary, even put a custom firebox in it, cool video

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on!!!

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Another excellent video. Since I found your channel I have been on a great journey learning about American trains. I am in Australia and I model vintage Tri-ang and some modern HO things as well, I mix it up to whatever I like. My interest started as a COVID lockdown thing and has become so rewarding and fun. Someone said it is the world's best hobby and I agree.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Pauline once again. I have many viewers from Australia and your neighbors New Zealand. Yes this is a great hobby!!

[@mloik1]

I like the use of the bic pen spring as a wire loom. I will be using that trick, thanks. I am converting a couple steam locos to DCC. I order those springs in bulk from Amazon bulk; I stretch them out somewhat and on top of fences they look like HO scale razor wire.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Razor wire? Sounds like a great idea to me!!!

[@tim8166]

Outstanding video, thank you!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Tim

[@alaskarailroad3996]

Thanks for the video. I love dcc..

[@classicmodeltrains]

Your welcome

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Nice job on the installation.👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks

[@n4pwx]

Ron another great video. Thanks Brother.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching Dennis. Hope you are doing well with them new peepers

[@Vexedyet]

Thanks for showing this,it helps alot when just have dc,ill get there eventually

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad it helped

[@dah2nd]

That looks really nice, especially with the caboose. And thanks for the mention, I'm glad it got a good home.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hey Local Dave. Thanks for that awesome caboose!!

[@michaelsullivan2361]

Love your channel. Reminds me of the model train version of Vice Grip Garage!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Michael, I wish I had his viewership.

[@MattKonsol]

Great job on putting that decoder on that mehano mikado steam locomotive.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much Matt!

[@rgiordano8224]

Your the man Ron!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@pathvalleyrailroad9277]

I put DCC and sound in my Mike, these locos are really easy to convert. Probably not needed for a small layout and single operator, but it gives you some fun options to play with.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree with you there

[@user-vv3nn4jc3w]

Wowser…that was something to behold…what patience…thoroughly enjoyed you mastering another project…happy Easter…

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@thomasdwyer6128]

Ron! Thanks for the patient and well explained DCC installation. I'll be doing a DCC with sound install on a Rivarossi 4-6-4 streamlined Hudson. Just watching you open this bad boy up and go through the steps logically took a lot of the intimidation out of my project! Your videos provide a lot of great tips to get my beasty old blue box loco's running as well. It's always fun watching your videos!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Thomas!

[@thomasziklo9558]

Thanks for the wonderful education. Awesome job love watching. I'm trying to learn dcc .i want to run dc and dcc. Thanks and I loved that candy.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Thomas

[@Mike__B]

I'm in a similar boat of having a large amount of DC locos I'd like to transition to DCC, and I can see there's some headaches ahead of me. Glad to see that this hobby though is like many others, an LED that costs maybe a few cents being sold for $15 because someone put some wires on it and put in a fancy plastic pouch.

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@micheldescoteaux7192]

Thank you for sharing this with us 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

My pleasure Michel!

[@micheldescoteaux7192]

@@classicmodeltrains did you hear about shoestring?

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@micheldescoteaux7192 I dont know what that is.

[@micheldescoteaux7192]

@@classicmodeltrains look up hobo shoestring. He rides trains illegally, and has been doing this for quite some time and has a whole lot of people that follow him. Including model railroaders as well as vendors and railroad workers.

[@thomasmoroney4993]

When I saw DCC I thought this was going to get political…LOL….excellent video..knew nothing about DCC now I know more..

[@classicmodeltrains]

thanks Thomas :-)

[@jamessturtevant2942]

Great content, you have A talent for simplifying the many complicated technical situations that are all to common in the model train world. An thanks for taking us along with you, shopping for deals in Billings. I look forward to seeing more video's, keep up the good work brother.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you James for the nice words :-)

[@petershepherd53]

Evening Ron, pete from the other side of the pond, you my friend are an absolute magician, I always look forward to what you do, you should do a summer school for train maintenance,!!! have a good one,regards, pete

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Pete, Thanks for the kind words. I have 104 masterclasses that can be taken online for absolutely FREE that covers model loco maintenance ;-D

[@DeadlySpoon12]

Great video! there are easier ways to do so these days i believe. having one with sound is a lot more fun

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Nick. Yes its easier if the loco is DCC "Ready". Sound is fun.....for about 1/2 hour :-)

[@johnblanton-fd3jf]

Great information about dcc , I've been debating on upgrading to run dcc, think I'll wait . I vaguely remember Neccos , they look like an antacid . Remember Peeps? My grandkids use them to make smores lol , you can get all that Easter candy on sale now. '

[@classicmodeltrains]

DCC is overrated for me. Peeps........never acquired a taste for them. Smores with peeps......could be interesting!!

[@MozanaRN]

Great video tutorial on the task that DCC presents in both programing and installation. I found it informative and will be watching this one again. That being said, DCC is for me something that will most likely not be introduced to my collection of ancient relics anytime soon. I think people like DCC for both the added realism and the challenges of installation that DCC presents. Nice to see the little lady in this episode. Wishing you both a fine Spring. Best wishes and keep up the good work, sincerely, George.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hi George. Once again I like the way you think.

[@darrenrawlinson6344]

I suppose that if you have a lot of loco's and a large layout, it would be useful. Fun and informative video as always.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes. I can only pay attention to 1 locomotive so DC works well for me :-)

[@danagibbs3265]

I love programming DCC stuff, especially when I get a new sound decoder and I get to mess with all the different options. Though I do it in N scale and it can be tough when the engine doesn't have a drop-in decoder. I sometimes spend hours just messing with the speeds to get all my engines running together, but they run so good after.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Playing with all the sounds is a lot of fun!

[@markwakeley3835]

Great video, Ron. Not bad for the second install. And I always thought that those Neccos were little round pieces of flavored stale. Till next time.

[@classicmodeltrains]

flavored stale!!! I LOVE IT!!!!

[@user-df6ld5rg3q]

Another great video, Ron! Similar to you convincing me that I never want to buy a Bockman engine, I really have no interest fiddling with DCC. I enjoy watching the various conversion videos but I just can’t get excited enough about the lights and sounds to warrant the cost and hassle. Take care, I look forward to the next video masterpiece. Jeff.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jeff. The lights are neat but the problems just aint worth it for me either.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

33%'er here. April 1st, it's easy adding dcc to a steam engine. ;) Nice seeing the Mrs. thought for a few she was going to spit the candy out.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Lynn! Talked about you and the club in this video. I wanted to be the first one to tell you ;-)

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

@@classicmodeltrains I saw, I head. Thank You. What a project. Good job and great Video, and we got to see the Little Lady.

[@dannyjones3840]

I first ran dcc at a club on long Island back in 03. Now that's all I run, because it's so much more realistic. And I only use soundtraxx tsunami2 decoders and I buy sugar cube speakers on ebay from crude engineering. I have a kato F7 ABA and a FA ABBA (1 b unit is a dummy) running off 1 decoder, connected with mini connectors between engines. I always but brand new decoders, never had the issues you did on this engine. Unless I have to cut weights to fit a speaker in the engine- something small like an RS unit, I can have a sound decoder in and running without issue in an hour. And if the engine doesn't have a nice can mirror in it, I shitcan it and go to nwsl and buy a nice new can motor, and if I can fit a flywheel, even better. And you can install a "keep alive" capacitor too keep her rolling across dirty track or dead frogs. I'll be the first to say i hate technology- but I love the realistic performance of dcc

[@classicmodeltrains]

Cool story and info there Danny. Thanks

[@TheRobertSterling]

Hi Ron. Thanks for the video. I was thinking about doing some Dcc, but know nothing about it. Might have to try, maybe on a Diesel loco. Never have enough projects..lol. Nice to see you and your misses eating Neeco's, I couldn't believe it. A week ago, my wife and I found a store up here selling candy and treats we don't get anymore...found packages of Chocolate Neeco's. Had to by a couple of rolls. Hard as rock, similar to Popeyes cigarettes , yeah 👍 Great video, keep up the good work 👍👏

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Robert. Wished the little Lady and me could have found the candy cigarettes

[@aussiefrenchman-hobbytable9960]

From a 33% always enjoy your videos 😎😎😎😎have a good one mate

[@classicmodeltrains]

thank you!

[@jamescotter5376]

Good job

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks James

[@user-uk8jr6zc9l]

DCC NOPE. The Neccos candy brought back memories of the penny candies that were out in the open for all to touch like the dots on a strip of paper and the wax little bottles filled with something sweet, (who knows what it was), Mary Janes, and powdered orange blocks plus more. Thanks for the extra content for us allergic to DCC.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I was hoping to spark some rememberries about the candy isles we had as kids. more to come!!

[@regisbraga3833]

You know that I’m not a dcc guy, but I have to admit that you’ve made a great work Ron! My compliments! I’d like to see in future dcc videos an old Athearn rubber band and a Tyco diesel under dcc (I really like to see how a MU-2 or a powertoque works w/ dcc).

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello My Friend, I do plan on doing some Athearn updates but probably not a band drive. UNLESS..........it gets a new can motor upgrade. That would be quite a conversation piece! Tyco PT's and MU-2's are on the list as well. Just got to get a higher amp decoder.

[@rusty.ramrod]

@@classicmodeltrains ... Hey Buddy... ...I like this Regis fella's idea, we just wanna watch "You" do it

[@christopherpartsch4302]

I'm so glad you're doing this series!! Could you please do a "how to" on converting a Bowser steam locomotive to DCC if you're able to? I have dozens of them, and people claim it's so simple, but I still have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I would love to but I have never held a Bowser in my hand nor worked on one......YET. :-)

[@1Klooch]

You put the decoder in, you didn't short it out, you beat the info out of the manual. It's a go-go both ways and the the lights a-twinkle. That's a righteous, hard fought "WIN" any day with DCC!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks :-)

[@TimOGhoul]

Pretty cool to see this. At the end of the day, this goes to show that you don't necessarily have to relegate one of your favorite old models to shelf queen status if you wanna run with all the quality of life improvements that DCC can bring.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Well I dont know if DCC improves life. It raises my blood pressure :-)

[@TimOGhoul]

@@classicmodeltrains It has its… quirks, for sure. Wiring blocks and having to deal with Blue Boxes were all my father’s era (Tyco brown boxes, specifically). I get by running my trains off of JMRI and a Sprog, controlling the trains with my phone.

[@ruagoof2]

I really like this one...gives hope for all of classics to mosey on up to the modern...nicely done Ron...You know you do such a nice job working on all this equipment I am wondering why you don't make a little 'refurbished by classic model trains' sticker to place inside them...maybe include the date and / or the episode...would be a nice touch especially for the ones you pass on to the old Ebay... Keep up the great work.... Rich...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Rich, The ones I sell on the eBay come with a display tag that says its from me and my channel. I just added them for the second round of sales that took place last fall. Thanks for your kind words

[@caboosech]

Great video I hope the candy good

[@classicmodeltrains]

Almost lost a tooth ;-D

[@tool7769]

Nice video Ron..Now lets see that done on one of them N scale locomotives..L.O.L

[@classicmodeltrains]

Ick........N makes my eyes hurt

[@joesask857]

thanks man

[@classicmodeltrains]

Any time Joe!

[@hjmiller2689]

Ron, the only gripe I have with this one is that you chose to DCC a locomotive that is plagued with issues that will usually require great lengths to make it work like how many "modern" locomotives do. I would recommend if you venture onto a couple other engines, that an Athearn Blue Box is one of, if not, the simplest to DCC. Rivarossi can get the same too ease too. And if you're feeling on doing more, you could try going down the hole of bluetoothing your phone to it as well! Also try out Yankee Dabbler for better priced decoders, speakers, or any other model railroad tools and stuff!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree this steamer is a budget minded piece. I feel it worked well on DCC and was a good example for this video. A can motor upgrade would have really made it sing. I plan on doing more of these type of video's so different loco manufacturers will come up. Now I have a pretty fancy sows ear :-)

[@jeffwhite3679]

You might try adding more pickups on the locomotive wheels. Shouldn't be all that difficult. It will run a lot better. Nice to see one of those classic steam locos converted.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I have 8 wheels currently working on doing pickup duties. The only reason it runs what looks to be poorly is the quality of the original motor. It didnt creep well on DC so DCC only magnifies that.

[@anthonymunoz6013]

Ever consider doing a 5 pole repower on one of your steamers? I would be curious to see how much of a performance change there would be. I do not have much in steam but am considering motor swapping in some old brass with gigantic open frame motors and would like to drop the current draw in consideration toward moving them to DCC. As always, good content Ron! Thank you!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Anthony, Yes a 5 pole would definitely improve low rpm performance weather on DC or DCC. If I can get my hands on some I do plan to use some 5 poles.

[@mikehagen3785]

DCC may be a necessity on large layouts, but for small home layouts, not so much. I can remember, as an 80s teen, being fortunate to witness operating sessions at the very large Kalmbach publishing layout in downtown Milwaukee. Was block wiring and it took a lot of people working together to operate it.. was very cool. Also, because of my Dad, saw many large home layouts and their operating sessions... DCC is very cool for a couple reasons but, I feel the extra investment scares off many that would otherwise enjoy this hobby if they didn't feel it was necessary. Hell, we never had a layout of our own, I've owned rolling stock that I built for contests in the 80s that has never been on a track. I enjoyed this video, informative, I like your style. Now what about converting a blue box Athearn with metal truck sides? Ive heard that can be troublesome.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I have many classic train upgrades to DCC I would like to produce. Guess I have to wait and see how my audience likes this series. I agree small layouts its unnecessary

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

I've started switching stuff over to DCC. Yeah, it's a lot more fussy, but in the end I like being able to run things "easily" at different speeds (not having multiple transformers running, track separators, and so on).

[@classicmodeltrains]

right on! I only run 1 train at a time so I'm pretty happy with the DC

[@normfredriksen1381]

Thanks for the video Ron. It seems like a lot of work to get less performance. 😮 I think I could live with the backup light on all the time. If you can afford it, get a new locomotive with the DCC already installed. That way you can xxx at the manufacturer instead of getting frustrated with your perfectly good DC.

[@classicmodeltrains]

It is a lot of work for about the same performance. I only run 1 loco at a time so DC is just fine with me.

[@stevenwaller192]

Very informative. Thanks Ron . I’ll have to review how you wired your layout for both DC and DCC. Cause I’m getting ready for my new N-scale layout. And I a couple BLI locomotives that have that DCC stuff in them. I liked your classic Model ,Mrs Classic Model trains . And hey is your algorithm still showing 33%? Maybe cause your videos are so good you might creep up to 34% or better.

[@classicmodeltrains]

some video's are pushing as high as 35% completion rate but dont tell anybody. We dont want to put extra pressure on :-)

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

I have one of those mikados, but mine is painted as Southern Railway 4501 in its green paint scheme.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hope its a good runner as well :-)

[@ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains]

Well done but this just confirms why I will never go DCC.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you and I agree

[@bernardc2553]

Hey Ron ,Sure Put a secret Decoder in Her.. I've got a few think their worth keeping..Been saving & buying decoders for my red Boxes & my Pacific's & Tenshodo's I'll hold your beer & Make us some popcorn k?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds like a plan Bernard!!

[@adventuresinmodelrailroading]

Install JMRI on your computer. It greatly simplifies programming decoders.And you can run your 🚆 from it as well.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Small steps....perhaps one day.

[@SleeperBBQ]

TY

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@raymondbuterbaugh3117]

I always wondered. If you could reprogram the decoder. Thank you Ron. 33

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes there is a lot of customization within the decoder to "tune it" just the way you want. A sound one has even more options to fiddle with.

[@rapcreeperproductions3269]

Dcc is fun. I like raiding my club layout with my Bachmann 4-4-0s

[@classicmodeltrains]

DCC is fun if its somebody else's.

[@rapcreeperproductions3269]

@@classicmodeltrains I mean, that's one way to put it. The ironic part is those small locos run better than everything else.

[@ecidaho]

Great video Ron! I struggled through the installation, and would have checked out for any other person presenting, testament to what a great job you do! DCC is just DC with an extra unneeded C for me! Take care and all the best, per usual! Did you remove the smoke unit, or did I miss that? Of then Mehano steam locos I have I removed it from all of them!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Erick, yes I pulled the electric shorting out device with no ascertainable thermostatic controll device. I should have mentioned that in the video. It did heat up but was so physically small and I could not figure out how to get the smoke fluid in it. Its been file 13-ed

[@ecidaho]

@@classicmodeltrains yeah bad design those melting the stack in one of mine it required surgical replacement.

[@patricksparks6631]

Oh yea - forgot to mention - remember the Candy Cigerettes ? What were they thinking - ? Too funny.

[@marklinzeit]

I used to blow the "smoke" out of those. I was so cool....

[@classicmodeltrains]

If I can find some of those gunna do a bit on them as well :-)

[@patricksparks6631]

@@classicmodeltrains Just googled it - they're out there.

[@robertknight4672]

I was never a fan of Necco Wafers and I live near Boston Massachusetts. I tend to prefer either a simple chocolate bar or the occasional gummy worm.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I liked gummys until I found out how there made.

[@JonBrooks105]

This makes a Lionel TMCC upgrade seem SO much easier!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I want to learn about TMCC. Seems way better than DCC

[@JonBrooks105]

@@classicmodeltrains It certainly is BIGGER to work on!

[@tmscheum]

Algorithm! Good stuff!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Gotta love the little monster.

[@CannonCountry]

There are guys out there that have installed HO smokers into the brakes and whistles for G scale. I’d love to learn how to do that besides adding DCC.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Some fellers are very creative out there for sure

[@charinabarcillo9160]

Ron Will you please do a short run by of the Santa Fe passenger set behind your head If it is a Tyco I had it as a kid Always enjoy your vedios especially Lionel Marx and AF repairs Thank you

[@classicmodeltrains]

I could make a short of that set sure!

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Not sure if the digitrax has a cv for BEMF like the more expensive ones that would allow you to set that so the dcc decoder would increase power to motor when it senses the motor has not yet turned at the desired speed keeping it consistent. Great video

[@kurtstrains]

Unfortunately DH 123 has no back emf, you have to get the next step up.

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

@kurtstrains ya, I don't think so it's pretty simple and cheap

[@classicmodeltrains]

Well shoot Norman, I thought maybe you were on to something then @kurtstrains came in with the answer that makes me sad

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks @kurtstrains for the answer. I really have no idea. I'm kinda new to DCC programming

[@hessxpress3016]

with digitrax decoders when you make a change, you have to cycle the power I don’t know why they just like it that way

[@classicmodeltrains]

Ive never had to do that while programming the 3 I've ever worked on. It might be different with a digitrax controller perhaps?

[@patricksparks6631]

Great topic. Doesn't look too hard wiring, but the tech part looks complicated.Thanks, going to have to take a second mortgage out for DCCing my 50+ DC locos ...LOL. Know what you mean on the learning curve part ... as with most stuff, boat electronics, cell phones, you tube.... I will do the dual wiring with the DPDT setup you showed us and maybe try a few ? not sure yet? Seems that it may be not worth the trouble. I'm not really a switcher, like to see them run, do scenery and paint/model decal etc...not a switcher for the most part. What is the real advantage of it ?

[@classicmodeltrains]

I enjoy the modeling way more than running themas well. The advantage of DCC is mostly the sound they can provide. the other advantage is for Fellers that want to run more than 1 loco on the layout at the same time. To me a fancy DC controller can do all the same stuff with regards to the speed control.

[@LifeOfRiley2166]

Could you make video on how use a multimeter in model railroading? Things like how to test if a motor is isolated, shorts, continuity, voltage of a bulb or LED

[@classicmodeltrains]

I usually describe what im doing with the DVM in the video's im using it in. I tell what setting to put it on and what im testing. I dont believe I would make a good video on the basics of using a DVM. There are lots of them out there. DVM wont tell you the voltage of a bulb or LED. It will only tell you how much its drawing when energized.

[@paulpietrowski1940]

I totally appreciated the vid, but hate to be a pain in the butt , could you possibly do a rivarossi steam loco particularly a pacific ? You seem to have way more patience than me. I know it gets power left side tender and right from loco. Thanks from a frustrated 33 per center..lol

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Paul. I currently do not have a Rivarossi pacific. I do want to DCC my Riv Big Boy. pretty much the same electrical system

[@paulpietrowski1940]

Works for me, I've done many sound decoder install and no two are the same it seems. My current headache is that Pacific, redone it twice and just frustrated the $_&_&-_$#, out of me. My luck probably something simple idk ughhh.btw keep up the good work I find your vids very entertaining and u definitely got a sense of humor.

[@JTRproductions]

Hey Ron I really like your videos. I was also wondering about what DC controller you use because I am looking for a good DC controller to run my Old DC trains. Also this video was very helpful because I have a locomotive like that and I want to DC

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks! I'm running a MRC Control Master 2.0 fort my DC stuff. They dont make them anymore so a feller has to search out the used market. I use a NCE Power Cab for my DCC

[@JTRproductions]

@classicmodeltrains ok I will try to look for one

[@mypugsdad5366]

As an toy train O-gauger I stick with regular transformer control. But I loved the video. One question would it be the same for 3 rail toy trains? keep up the good work.

[@classicmodeltrains]

3 rail o gauge has its own very similar digital controller stuff.

[@jebbohanan2626]

The reason the loco is not moving smoothly is the number of poles in to motor. Three pole motors have the tendency to be jerky at low voltages. 4 pole motors can be a lil better. 5 or more are the best for smoothness. It’s like whiskey: Cheap rot gut will burn out your decoder. 5-7 year old stuff is smoother and easier. 10-15 goes along nicely and is as smooth as you can afford. Then there’s the really expensive stuff…and it is like silk but you can get the same performance as the 7 year old stuff…just less hassle. Using a 3 pole motor to pull a passenger train, is fine, because usually the locomotive is not going to be moving slow or creeping. Cause usually passenger trains are balls to the wall….so to speak….or in the true use of the saying, “RUNNING BALLS OUT”, which indicates that the steam engines governing piece is wide open. The governor is that spinning thing that has the balls as counter weights… Anyway excellent video!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jeb. I never have enough money to justify a 10-15 year whiskey. I hear its quite good. The rot gut will put you on the couch for a few days for sure. I am familiar with the slang phrase "balls out" or "balls to the wall". I wish I could tinker with an old governor like that

[@richardsweeney197]

Necco is pronounced "Neck-oh" nit far from where I live. I always preferred their "Sky Bar"

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup I pissed off all the easterners by calling it what us midwesterners call it.

[@richardsweeney197]

@classicmodeltrains nah, you didn't pass me off. I was never fond of Necco Wafers, though a lot of kids used them as communion hosts when they played.

[@kurtstrains]

Try messing with the kick start value. Think of it like the acceleration pump on a carburetor.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I did have it up to around 50. I kept adjusting multiple CV's sorta at the same time. I guess I need more time too just sit and fiddle and get my learn on. Oops.... I dug out my cheat sheets. I was playing with CV55-57. Never touched CV65. I shall see what happens. Thanks Kurt!!

[@sharpenflat6002]

Hello Ron. I love your videos. I have a question. I have a lot of American Flyer locomotives (21) and they all run great but I have 2 that keep de-railing because the pilot truck jumps off the track for no apparent reason. Have you ever seen a problem like that or do you have any advice? Thanks. Tim.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Tim. The only thing that comes to mind is a small spring that holds the front pilot down on the tracks and is missing? Lionel uses them and I've seen it in some HO stuff. Look for a parts breakdown and see if there is supposed to be a spring in there. If not, maybe adding one will help.

[@sharpenflat6002]

@@classicmodeltrains Hi Ron, Thanks for your reply. I appreciate you taking the time to help me. I always look forward to your videos. They both have the springs and I replaced both trucks with the ones that don't have the springs and it still does it. I'll keep at it and let you know if I figure it out. I have heard of guys weighing them down to try to stop it. Anyway, thanks again. Later.