Can older Norfolk&Western class J be converted to DCC

[deco-guys]

I have an older Limited collectors Edition Norfolk&Western class J locomotive that is in brand new condition. the Item # on the box is #65869. I would like to change it over to DCC. Does anyone had any experience converting these slightly older units? If so I also have a Bachmann Santa Fe 4-8-4 Northern that is in pristine shape that I also would like to convert. I suppose the cost factor will play a part too! Thanks in advance for any help.
Bill

[skipgear]

The easy answer for the J is buy the new version. It is lightyears ahead of the old one.

With both the J and the Santa Fe 4-8-4 your problem will be the lack of tender pickup. DCC decoders are more picky about good power pickup and neither of those loco's is known for their pickup ability. By the time you add tender pickup, you are halfway to the price of a new loco.

I have added a decoder to the Santa Fe 4-8-4 before: