Has anyone installed DCC in their FA/B1's using a modified frame by Aztec? I have three ABBA sets that I am considering installing DCC. These units run so smooth and are powerful so I am wondering if adding DCC via frame modification will adversely affect them. The old adage of, "If it ain't broke don't try to fix it" somehow keeps running through my mind.
I've got 4 ABBA set's that I installed Lenz 521's in. You will need to use a Dremel to grind out the motor brush area and pathways for the wires. On the B's the decoder sits in the front cab area and didn't need any work. The A's need a little grinding on the back to make enough room for the decoder to sit.
4-SETS, that a lot of grinding with a dremel! I used a Sherline lathe with the milling machine column to do mine, (4 units).
Another option that works for me is to permanently couple and A and B unit together and install a decoder in just the B unit to power both locos. Have done this on lots of ABBA sets now and they all work perfectly, and saved me a lot on decoders. So far I have done this with Con-Cor PAs and E7s, Liflike FA's, Backmann F7s and ER Sharks. Here is a how-to I did a wile back for the Bachmann F7 set. https://jamestrainparts.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/converting-an-n-scale-bachmann-f7-to-dcc/ -James
