Decoders in Life-Like PA/PB

loco1999 Jan 10, 2007

  1. loco1999

    loco1999 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Has anyone put decoders in N Scale Life-Like PA/PB?

    What decoders?

    Did you...
    Isolate motor?
    Mill frame?

    I am thinking of trying it.

    Thanks in advance. :)
     
  2. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Keith:

    Any small decoder should do the trick. TCS and Lenz make the smallest decoders. I don't have any LL diesels other than the LL GP-20 that I kit bash into Cheater boxcars or GP-7's/9's.

    LL wasn't known for their DCC friendly diesels.

    Stay cool and run steam....:cool::cool:
     
  3. loco1999

    loco1999 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks Bob.

    I took off the shell and there is no room.
    I am not sure if I can make enough room.
     
  4. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Keith:

    Can you cut a slot in the frame?


    Stay cool and run steam....:cool: :cool:
     
  5. loco1999

    loco1999 TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have started a cut with a razor saw.

    Is there a dremel tool that cuts metal?

    What do you guys use to do this?

    Thanks
     
  6. EricB

    EricB TrainBoard Member

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    Just take it slow with a razor saw. Your cut will be cleaner than with a Dremel.

    Aren't these locos on a plastic frame with a single large weight on top?. I had some a couple of years ago. Great pullers.

    Eric
     
  7. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Dremeel makes regular heavy duty grinding discs. They cut metal very easily. WEAR EYE PROTECTION as these discs tend to shatter if you stress them while cutting.
     
  8. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Keith:

    Dremel makes diamond cutting burs that will do the job. Make sure you have protective eye wear on when you cut the metal frame. You can get these at Home Depot or Lowe's.

    Stay cool and run steam.....:cool::cool:
     
  9. loco1999

    loco1999 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks for the replies and ideas.

    Is the "heavy duty grinding discs" a cut off wheel?

    I will give it a try! ( With eye protection ) :)
     
  10. Bob Morris

    Bob Morris TrainBoard Supporter

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    The Like Like PA is one of my favorite engines and I too am thinking of the jump to DCC. How'd your installation go?
     
  11. Pete Nolan

    Pete Nolan TrainBoard Supporter

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    Dremel also makes a barrel cutter (1015?) which is what I use. Much faster than the cut-off disks. Makes a total mess with metal shavings.
     
  12. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Yes it is. They make the "regular" and heavy duty which you have. The difference is that the HD ones are tougher to break but will make a thicker cut (thicker kerf).
     
  13. loco1999

    loco1999 TrainBoard Supporter

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    With the new releases coming in and a stomach flu,
    I haven't made any room get started on the cutting.

    I appreciate the advise and will try some of the
    dremel bits that you guys have mentioned.

    When I reclaim my workspace I will give it
    a try and take some photos to post here.
     
  14. Bob Morris

    Bob Morris TrainBoard Supporter

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    I checked and if your L-L is a split frame, Aztec will also mill the frame for you for DCC installation.
     

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