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The question on whether or not an engine can be retroftited with electrocoupler control and TMCC usually revolves around available space for the electronics necessary for that conversion. Generally the smaller/shorter the loco the more space limitation becomes a challenging factor for fitting the electronics needed for the conversion, Sometime even placing units in the tender is necessary due to engine space limitations. The best way to be ceratin a conversion iss doable with your loco is to remove the shell and compare the available space with the needed space.
The Docksider can fit the electronics, certainly the ERR Mini Commander 2, I have one with it installed. The electrocouplers are more problematic, the Docksider couplers are an odd duck and the mounting doesn't accept the standard coupler connection. I did the electrocouplers, but it was a PITA to mount them, and required a bit of surgery on the body of the locomotive.
Thanks; for it to do what i want the couplers would be nice. I may be PM ing you abought this in the future. Don
The Docksider can fit the electronics, certainly the ERR Mini Commander 2, I have one with it installed. The electrocouplers are more problematic, the Docksider couplers are an odd duck and the mounting doesn't accept the standard coupler connection. I did the electrocouplers, but it was a PITA to mount them, and required a bit of surgery on the body of the locomotive.
So, gunrunnerjohn, the ERR Mini Commander 2 will fit in my Lionel Strasburg 0-6-0 Docksider? Is there also room for an ERR steam sounds card? Do you know if the ERR MC2 and a diesel sounds car can be retrofitted in a K-Line Strasburg RR Die Cast Plymouth Switcher #1 ?
If you can possibly live without it being a steam locomotive, then a Trackmobile would sound ideal for your purposes. It has TMCC, lights, electro-couplers and is about as short as you can get. They are great for switching a few cars around.
Kenn, I don't know that you can fit sounds in that engine, there isn't an option for sound nowadays other than the RailSounds commander, and it's way too large.
I had one of the Plymouth switchers, and I decided it would be too much of a PITA to take it apart and make room for even the MC2. No chance of sound in that one either.
Basically, there are no real sound options nowadays for really small TMCC locomotives that I'm aware of.
Kenn, I don't know that you can fit sounds in that engine, there isn't an option for sound nowadays other than the RailSounds commander, and it's way too large.
I had one of the Plymouth switchers, and I decided it would be too much of a PITA to take it apart and make room for even the MC2. No chance of sound in that one either.
Basically, there are no real sound options nowadays for really small TMCC locomotives that I'm aware of.
Thanks, gunrunnerjohn, for the info and your valued insight.
Both are TMCC/Sound/electro-couplers, front and back. The Rich Yoder GE 44 tonner (10") has an ERR drive. The Weaver A5 (14.5") has an older Digital Dynamics system.
There is also a K-line A5.
Mike, both are bigger, but I suspect out of his price range as well.