I’ve a FA1/FB1 Life Like set of engines. I want to run DCC. Those 2 engines are not designed to run separately, and then need to run within a consist. So I was wondering what is the interest to equip the 2 engines with decoders…Does it sound crazy to remove the transmission of the second one, and then only be attached with the first one as a “fake” engine? This would save some money (decoder) and only some power (only one engine) Please let me know if I’m stupid or not Thanks
I think you are talking N-scale, right? I would not run a "dummy" locomotive in N-scale. (For reference, a "dummy" locomotive is a term used to describe a model train locomotive that does not have an electric motor and serves only a cosmetic purpose) Generally you need whatever power (and pickup) you can get given the small size and light weight of n-scale locos. If you want to economize, you COULD wire the two together and use a single DCC decoder. You would have to run wires between the two units and they would be permanently coupled unless you had some type of micro-miniature plug between the two somehow. This has been done before but I've never tried it. I'm not sure about a DCC install in the LL FA's either, don't know if that is a challenge in-and-of itself or not. I was considering this (single decoder with two powered locos) with a pair of GP20's I have but haven't done it yet. BTW, you aren't stupid, because you are asking questions. However, asking that particular question (am I stupid?) isn't real smart, especially if you are married. mg: :teeth:
Not. Unless I am too. But it does depend upon the running qualities and pulling power of the powered unit. I have removed the motors from some of the B units of my Kato ABBA, ABA, or ABB consists (keeping 2 powered units) with no adverse effect on pulling power. And I have one 2 percent grade in my layout. Ben
Not stupid, french_guy. Sounds like a good idea if it is possible. Is it common to do this to two or more locomotives in H0 scale for the same reasons as french_guy stated?
Personally, I wouldn't canibalize a good powered unit to create a dummy anymore. In the mid 90's when entry level decoders were in the $50 range it saved some money to wire both engines to one decoder. Still not as a dummy though. Double the pickup, twice the power. Drawback was the unsightly wires linking the two and they had to stay a unit. I did canibalize a Lifelike E7 to install a sound decoder and speakers. With good decoders in the $15 range, installing one in a powered B doesn't break the bank as quickly. Lights aren't needed so the installation will generally be simpler. You still get twice the power and the second engine helps get the train over dead spots. Martin Myers
I've equipped every powered loco with a decoder. Why? I say--why not? If you want to run your layout like a real railroad and/or have the flexibility of occasionally breaking up consists or adding to existing ones, there's no need to add (or remove) unsightly wires from loco to loco. Building or breaking up a consist is merely a matter of coupling or uncoupling. Why make more work when you could be running trains. Removing exisiting motors and making dummys only means you'll have extra parts sitting around taking up space and accummulating dust. I figure why spend money on a powered unit and then neuter it?? And eventually, all those parts have to find a home somewhere. If cost is an issue, then add decoders as your budget permits. Remember, this is your railroad and the DCC Police have no jurisdiction. It took me 3 years to equip all my locos with decoders. You have the flexibility with some diesels of swapping bodies (same model) for a variety of road names in the meantime. I rountinely do this with my Athearn Genesis F3s and F7s sound units and non-sound units. Eventually, all the locos will have DCC and sound but for the time being, putting a kid through college gets the nod when extra cash surfaces. There are no dumb questions but man, there can sure be some dumb answers. You may have just read one.
