I just obtained a LifeLike GP 38 in N-scale. I know it's not the greatest locomotive, but for a couple bucks, I thought it might make a good choice to try my first decoder install. Anyone do this already? What decoder did you use? I am thinking LE077XF from Lenz. Any suggestions are welcome. It's either start there or attack my detailed and custom painted RS-3...kinda nervous about that one. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.geocities.com/revnjeff/index.html
Hi Jeff, I have not done the conversion you are suggesting. It does seem very logical and easy, though. The first thing I would want to stress is to make sure that you are satisfied with the operating characteristics of the loco before undertaking the conversion. As you probably know, if it doesn't run well on DC, it won't be any (much?) better on DCC. If you are happy with the loco, then you will probably have to mill or file a little bit off the LL frame to get the decoder in. As far as the RS3, Aztec makes retro frames for them, so all that is needed is wiring the decoders (and soldering) depending upon decoder chosen. You might want to check their offerings at: http://www.aztectrains.com/pages/DCCFrames.html Good luck in whatever you choose! Harold
I have to assume you are talking about the old Life-Like GP38 with the plastic frame, and separate metal weights. If this is correct, you picked a doosey. I have several of these. First, you must re-wire the entire pick-up system. The wires they used are too brittle, and tend to break off at the trucks. I would run a wire from the front truck to the back truck. Right side front to right side back, and also left side front to left side back. Then you will have to remove the leads to the motor. The Lenz LE077XF is an excellent choice. Mark the top of the motor so you can re-install in the same position. Run the grey and orange decoder leads to the motor (do not solder to the motor brushes, but the bronze strips that are attached). Then run the red and black decoder leads to the two wires you installed first. Don't cut the wires, just strip about 1/8" of insulation, then wrap the decoder wire around the first wire, and solder. Be sure to tape all bare wires. Now you have the motor running. You can test the installation at this point. If all is working well, connect the white and blue decoder wires to the front light bulb. You will need to leave out one of the two weights. See if you can fit the decoder into the front (as the weight is smaller and will affect traction less). Make sure the Lenx decoder (which has no insulation wrap, and the instructions forbid this) does not touch any metal. I recommend you do what I did, retire all my old Life-Like locos from my home layout, and use them only at train shows. It will be a lot easier to decoder a newer product from Life-Like, or any body else too. Good luck!
