It is a manual wired install, not a drop in decoder. There is a pictorial on the TCS web site for it: http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Life_Like/SW1200/SW1200.html Requires milling the frame.
Thanks, I'll have to think of something else. Either convert other old loco's or buy a new one with DCC. Hopefully I'll see a good deal in the Swap Meet area at some point. A beginner DCC loco and DCC controller. Also, gonna try and get the DCC++ Arduino working, if I can! Had the Arduino for months, and just sitting in a drawer now
Those have always been one of the more challenging installs but they recently got a little easier using the decoder TCS made for the Micro-Trains SW-1500. Here is a link to my install.
TCS and Digitrax both make a decoder for the Microtrains SW1500 which is the same mechanism. The decoder replaces the stock light board but does require soldering wires for the motor leads. A TCS Z2 or a Digitrax DZ126t can be hardwired in as well. I've done both with no frame modification.
You might consider getting a Kato NW2. Similar look and there's a drop-in decoder. The new Atlas S2 would also be an option. Benw
It's not an easy install. I did one a number of years ago with a Lenz decoder. Had to sacrifice the headlight and the weight in the cab. The loco runs now but not as smoothly as it should. Not sure if I bent the frame or drive shaft(s). I'm afraid to tear it apart again not knowing if I'll ever get put back together again as good as it is now. If you google "SW1200 decoder install" you'll find a few sites giving you some pointers. The site I referenced long ago is now dead. By far the best tutorial I've ever seen. I printed it out. If I can find it I'll scan and upload it here. Brian
This one was hardwired with no frame modification or sacrificing the cab weight. The front headlight is operational too. It runs extremely well.
I put a TCS M1 decoder in one of my LL SW-1200's, but it required a small amount of frame modification: http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/life-like-sw9-1200-decoder-install.54952/ - Jeff
Can I easily put decoders or do they make decoders for them, in any of this old DC locomotive's? No frame cutting or anything. I would guess hardwire since they weren't made for DCC? All Like Like: E6A IC #4003 Item #7353 SD7 D&RGW Item #7760 #5303 GP-18 NW #920 Item# 7114 GP-38 BN#2098 Item#7841 And my favorites because there heavy N ALCO PA D&RGW Item #600 #5303 and 2 matching unpowered PB units #600 & #601 (My most favorite of all I have) E6A IC #4003 Item #7353 I hope I listed this stuff correctly. And of course the SW9/1200 which is not going to happen. Have a felling these won't either Thanks everyone.
There are two essential resources I use to find out how easy a decoder install would be. You will be amazed. The first is the TCS Installation page: http://tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/N_Search/search.html The second is Brad's wiki (not as extensive, but typically better instructions (see his link above) Most of these are hardwired, with varying degrees of "ease". The GP 18 has a split board "drop in"
NCE makes a drop in decoder. I have installed one and it works wonderfully. https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/200945029-SW9
Is this for the N-Scale Lifelike SW9/1200? If so is there an installation video any where? By drop in what do you mean since there is no decoder in the unit at this time, as it is DC?
Look at the dimesions in the PDF file. It appears to me that the decoder is for the HO version. Proto 2000 or P2K commonly refers to HO LifeLike models.
This is an old thread... People may already know this but a TCS MT1500 will fit into the Lifelike SW frame with no problems... you only need to wire some leads from the bush caps. (take the brush caps out first) Also, I soldered very small tabs of flexible brass sheet to the tops of the wheel wiper pickups so the metal frame will rest on them. I left the shell pick up wipers alone just for additional pick up power. This little mod significantly improved its performance and now the shell doesn't need to be on for the loco to run!
Not Exactly the easiest to see... but it worked extremely well. and there was no sacrifice to the locomotives function.
If you don't want to install a decoder. Atlas has some switchers and Bachmann has an NW2. Don't know how good the Bachmann is, I don't own one.