DCC in a Hornby 142

***The best running quality will always come from two separate decoders with the two units wired together for pickups. I'd use TCS MC-2's for this.

However....

If you really want to use one decoder you may find that unless the two motors are really exactly the same, you will get a degree of undesirable interaction between them, as if one is marginally more efficient than the other they will compete for power and the more efficient will win. Assuming a running current of around 250mA or so, you can still use the TCS MC-2 which is a mini sized decoder that has 1 amp plus motor power handling. I'm confidnt it will be fine!

Just try it with one - and add the other if you find it unsatisfactory!

Richard
DCCconcepts

Hi - Nope, no problem, I do know a 142, I've ridden in them too . On bad track spots a bit like riding a horse with a roof on

As regards compatibility, I'd guess that they are probably fine, and as I said, I think that the current won't be an issue either. Best way is to try one and add another if its not good enough for you. Either way, do tie them together to increase the pickup reliability

Richard

QUOTE (dieselweasel @ 4 Jan 2008, 16:50) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I take it from your location that you're not too aware of what a 142 is ? Its a two car diesel multiple unit, based on a wagon underframe. Each car has two axles, one powered, one trailing, and in real life they slip and slide all over the place.

The ride is also "interesting" on greasy rails!

Regards

Hi deiselweasel
If it,s any help i have just converted one of these using a hornby decoder. I ran four wires between the two units [two for the pick ups and two for motor return] I place the decoded behind the drivers bulkhead The end result was a very smoth running unit. The only problem i need to change is the thickness of the wires [couldnt find any thin wire were i live]. It causes the odd derailment Its had about two hours run time so far with no big puffs of smoke [all ways a good thing] But apart from that im very happy with it. Hope this helps.

Neilo

Thanks very much for posting that...good to know that I'm getting on the right track. I've got the regi rail one that will be converted (has pickups on all wheel back) and fancy a Northern Yellow one. This uses a different pick up arrangement (looking at the technical stuff on the Hornby website) and has the cars electrically coupled. Both will be DCC'd.

I've also got a resprayed one in the North Werstern trains blue and gold stars, that uses the original pickup system (pick ups on the wheel backs of the driving axle and from the axle itself on the trailing one). It was a poor runner - the pickups were contaminated by the painter - and trying to improve matters has broken one pickup. As putting the body on and off risks damaging the paintwork, it will be a display model only

I didn't want to mention it, but I drive the real things for a living, and have a soft spot for them !!

QUOTE (dieselweasel @ 11 Jan 2008, 18:10) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I didn't want to mention it, but I drive the real things for a living, and have a soft spot for them !!

Generally people either love them or loathe them and I have spoken to drivers who like yourself have a soft spot for them

No matter what your view is they do very sterling work in the North East, around Mancheter and in South Wales -- and I am sure whent they eventually disappear from our rail network they will be sorely missed, I know I shall miss them

All I need now is a couple for my layout