About Loy's Toys
Retirement Sale
Decoder Selection by Loco:
Bachmann
 HO-Scale Steam
DCC Compatibility
 
 

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About Decoder Selection
Some simple things that will help you decide which decoder is right for you, your loco, and your way of operation.
0-6-0, 0-8-0
TCS-M1, Digitrax-DZ143, or any small decoder with with a 1-amp motor driver
TUL-080
10-Wheeler
Any decoder with an NMRA plug on our "PJ"wire length and configuration.
No recommendation.

2-8-0 Consolidation

TCS-DP5X, NCE-D14SRP, DH163IP, or any decoder with an NMRA plug on our NMRA "PF" harness.
No recommendation.

2-10-0 Decapod

TCS-DP5X, NCE-D14SRP, D-DH163IP, or any decoder with an NMRA plug on the harness.
No recommendation.

3-Truck Shay

Any wired decoder with our "PB" harness with NMRA plug. Direct-plug decoders will not work without modification.
No recommendation.
4-6-0 (Baldwin UP low boiler)
This loco is DCC ready, but requires a small decoder such as the Digitrax DZ143 or the TCS M1. Whatever you choose, it needs our NMRA "PB" harness.
Space is at a real premium in this tender, so don't even thing about putting sound in it unless your modeling skills are way above average. It will not be done without a lot of planning, tedious work, and possibly re-doing the coal load mounting box. It will require removing the PC board and using the smallest hard-wire sound unit available. If you have to ask which speaker to use, sound installation is beyond your capability.

4-6-2 K4

TCS-DP5X, NCE-D14SRP, D-DH163IP, or any decoder with an NMRA plug on the harness.
No recommendation.

4-8-2 Heavy Mountain

Any decoder with an NMRA plug on our "PJ"wire length and configuration.
No recommendation.

4-8-2 Light Mountain

TCS-DP5X, NCE-D14SRP, D-DH163IP, or any decoder with an NMRA plug on the harness.
No recommendation.

4-8-4 N&W J Class (2002)

TCS-DP5X, NCE-D14SRP, D-DH163IP, or any decoder with an NMRA plug on our NMRA "PK" harness.
No recommendation.
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