I have a buddy with an ATLAS (3Rail) SW. It is an original with Dallee and no TMCC. Any one have experience with taking one to 2Rail?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Jim, I have done a couple and about to do another. I just ripped everthing out and wired it to straight DC with no sound. I swapped the trucks to 2R and away it went.
You can just change the wheels but your have to make wipers for them.
Malcolm
You can just change the wheels but your have to make wipers for them.
Malcolm
Jim,
I also did one a few years ago. I removed everything and used a Lenz 1.8 amp back-EMF DCC decoder. Worked great despite the lower than usual amp rating for an O scale engine. If you like the way these excellent engines run now, wait until you see their low speed operation with the back EMF cruise!
At the time, I used NWSL replacement wheelsets, and Atlas supplied everything else - wheel-wiper pickups, insulators for the pickups, even the screws necessary to install them. The basic truck frame was the same for 3-rail or 2-rail: pre-drilled for either the center rollers or the 2-rail wheel wipers.
Jim
I also did one a few years ago. I removed everything and used a Lenz 1.8 amp back-EMF DCC decoder. Worked great despite the lower than usual amp rating for an O scale engine. If you like the way these excellent engines run now, wait until you see their low speed operation with the back EMF cruise!
At the time, I used NWSL replacement wheelsets, and Atlas supplied everything else - wheel-wiper pickups, insulators for the pickups, even the screws necessary to install them. The basic truck frame was the same for 3-rail or 2-rail: pre-drilled for either the center rollers or the 2-rail wheel wipers.
Jim
I almost wrote this off! Do either of you remember what kind of cost I am looking at?
Jim,
I think the wheelsets were in the $40-50 range, pickup parts about $15, and the optional decoder another $25 or so.
Jim
I think the wheelsets were in the $40-50 range, pickup parts about $15, and the optional decoder another $25 or so.
Jim
my conversion:
I took a stock 3 rail-TMCC, swapped the wheelsets for NWSL geared sets, removed the TMCC board, made wipers from some bronze sheet stock, added a NCE D13SR decoder for control and lights, and a SoundTraxx DSX decoder for sound.
I also re-worked the sideframe mounts to allow them in closer to the wheels.
I took a stock 3 rail-TMCC, swapped the wheelsets for NWSL geared sets, removed the TMCC board, made wipers from some bronze sheet stock, added a NCE D13SR decoder for control and lights, and a SoundTraxx DSX decoder for sound.
I also re-worked the sideframe mounts to allow them in closer to the wheels.
Chris,
That a HO decoder, right? I assume it handles the SW without any problems.
Thank you, malcolm
That a HO decoder, right? I assume it handles the SW without any problems.
Thank you, malcolm
Malcolm,
yes, the NCE D13SR decoder is meant for HO sizes. it is rated at 1.5 amps, which for the Atlas SW is plenty of capacity. plus it cheap! about $16.
I credit Ed Rappe with coming up with this configuration.
yes, the NCE D13SR decoder is meant for HO sizes. it is rated at 1.5 amps, which for the Atlas SW is plenty of capacity. plus it cheap! about $16.
I credit Ed Rappe with coming up with this configuration.
I used a TCS (Train Control Systems) T1 decoder in an Atlas SW switcher and also in a Rich Yoder 44 tonner (I removed one motor for another project) and ran them on a 2x8 switching layout w/o a problem. My control system is an old Atlas DCC Commander, Base and Hand Control...which can still be found on auction sites.
Matt
Matt
Thanks for the info on the decoders. All my locos are one motor locos.
I am planning too equip only 2 with DCC sound and the rest with DCC only. I had considered the MRC TEch 6 that would allow some of my locos to remain DC. If I can use HO decoders I would go all DCC. I am not sure the HO decoders would handle the Weaver/Pittman motor so I may have to go O scale on them.
Again, thanks for info as I continue to learn about DCC.
Malcolm
I am planning too equip only 2 with DCC sound and the rest with DCC only. I had considered the MRC TEch 6 that would allow some of my locos to remain DC. If I can use HO decoders I would go all DCC. I am not sure the HO decoders would handle the Weaver/Pittman motor so I may have to go O scale on them.
Again, thanks for info as I continue to learn about DCC.
Malcolm
quote:Originally posted by Old Goat:
I used a TCS (Train Control Systems) T1 decoder in an Atlas SW switcher and also in a Rich Yoder 44 tonner (I removed one motor for another project) and ran them on a 2x8 switching layout w/o a problem. My control system is an old Atlas DCC Commander, Base and Hand Control...which can still be found on auction sites.
Matt
I can attest to the worth of this TCS T1 decoder as well...a bargain at about 20 bux and with a capacity to operate well in smallish O scale engines.
Bob
