Convert to DCC

[yardmaster54]

Is it possible to convert 1970 era engines to DCC?

[richg]

"Maybe". What particular loco? What scale?

Rich

[Jim Banner]

It is possible to convert virtually any locomotive to DCC.  Some of the very small ones in N or Z scale could require the decoder be installed in a follow car and some of the very largest ones, big enough to ride on or in, will require some high power electronics between the decoder and the motors, but for about everything in between there are decoders that fit and can handle the power.  Even a very old, inefficient, 6volt H0 locomotive could be outfitted with a G-scale decoder to handle the current.

High quality locomotives from the 70's run very well on DCC if they already run well on dc.  Old train set locomotives from that era often have only 4 wheel pickup, 4 wheel drive, and poor or non-existent low speed performance.  They will not magically run like Spectrum locomotives if you install a decoder, but there may be circumstances where you want to install one anyway.

Jim

[ebtbob]

YM54,

      The answer to your question is yes,  but.......there is a but.   The one thing to consider is how much power does the motor draw on any specific engine.    You MUST do a measurement of the amps drawn at stall.   If the motor draws more than 1 amp,  you are going to face the remotoring of that engine.   Most decoders have 1 to 1.5 amp limit.