Difference between Spectrum and Plus engines.

[LarrySmith]

I have 3 Plus diesels and 6 Spectrum diesels and they all run great.  I was just wondering what the actual factory difference is between the two lines.  Can DCC be installed on both Spectrum and Plus engines?  I understand that Spectrum has greater detail than Plus but what are the actual differences?

Thank you,
Larry Smith

[Stephen Warrington]

Hi Larry,

The Spec models do have much greater detail than the plus. I have owned both Spec and Plus versions of several Steamers sorry no diesels all Athearn, Atlas and Proto 2000 in that field.

But in comparing my plus N&W J 4-8-4 to my new Spec version, theSpec version has crisper paint and lettering and runs much much smoother. Its like comparing 1990s TYCO Steam to the stuff we see today, I consider the plus more of a train set engine and not a model. Also the Spec models have a much better motor in my opinion and DCC can be added alot easier to Spec than the old Plus series according to several friends who have done it. I run only DC and cant comment on that from experiance.

I am sure others on the board can answer your DCC questions much better than I can.

Stephen

[SteamGene]

A lot depends on the age of the Plus.  The newer ones, at least the steam, are DCC ready.  Older ones may need hardwiring.
Gene

[Nigel]

what are the actual differences?

The detailing.

The Plus model diesel drivetrains are the same as similar vintage Spectrum model diesels.  DCC can be installed with a little work, the approach is the same as non-DCC ready Spectrum.

For non-F unit Plus diesels - such as the SD45, GP35, etc, see:
http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/dcc/tmaster/tmaster.html

For Plus F7 models see:
http://www.digitrax.com/kb/index.php?a=184
except use DH123 or DH163 wired decoders.  This article is several decoder generations old.