DCC decoder suggestions for 1950s steam locomotive.

Hi Paul. Those old open frame motors are real current hogs. I don't know of any O scale decoder with sound that can handle an open frame motor. If you really want DCC installed in that locomotive you may have to re-motor and put a can motor in it. NCE makes a 8 amp non sound decoder which might work in it. Keep us posted. 

Paul,

If you can live without sound, NCE makes a very nice decoder for O Scale - D408SR.    It is rated at 4 amps continuous and 10 amps stall.    I have used it in a bunch of old Max Grey Brass from the 60s and it works fine and gives great control.    It has 8 functions for lights or other stuff too.    And the control is very good in my opinion.   The good news is you don't have to remotor or put in a new gearbox or anything.   

If you absolutley have to have sound you put in a separate HO or N decoder for sound only.      I have heard that a resistor across the motor leads will allow them to work properly.

both qsi and esu make a 4(+) amp sound decoder that will run that open frame motor, and both sound great.

Agreed, QSI has my vote.    Use them in G and HO.

The NCE D808 is an 8 amp motor and lights onle decoder.

The QSI can handle 6-10 amps depending on fan cooling or not.

ESU, Massoth, Zimo also make high amperage decoders, but US sound files are poor.

The QSI sound on steam is a cut above.

Greg

I'm totally impressed with the new Tsunami2 sound quality.  I  installled the 2 amp Tsunami 2200 in a Key PRR H10 2-8-0 and it is my favorite streamer sound and control wise. The 4 amp version is due to go into production in several weeks - made in the USA.  My diesel roster is 100% QSI.

Thanks for all the input.  I think the QSI is going to be the way to go.

Two questions:

1) I see from looking at Tony's Trins there is a 6-12 amp and a 10-20 amp version of the Titan Magnum.  I am not worried about the cost difference, but assuming both will fit in the locomotive ( or the tender ) which would you go with? ( I only have a 10 amp booster I will use with this, so the 10-20 version sounds like overkill to me )

2) what sound set is most apropriate for a pacific?  I'm leaning towards "medium steam" but that is really just a guess on my part.

Thanks,

Paul

I have an older williams I've been thinking of converting to DCC for some time, the information above is very helpful in that regards.  I just wish these higher amp decoders were a little cheaper.  Or maybe a lot cheaper.    Still more options than I thought when I poked around earlier this summer on the topic.  Must be getting more popular!

Paul, the 6 amp version is fine for your application.

Chris,

Can you please contact me.  My Email address is in my profile.

Steve Krupa