DCC for the Austrains C class

By Josh Beveridge 23/1/07

 

 

The Austrains C class is not DCC or sound ready. It is a basic DC only model, but is not that difficult to ‘digitise’.

 

Step One

 

Remove the body by squeezing the body sides and pulling on the chassis at the same time.

 

Unsolder all wiring, leaving only the 4 wires attached to the track pickup tabs on the bogies and the two motor wires sticking out. Remove the suppressor on the motor leads.

 

Step Two

 

This step requires the metal weight to be removed by unscrewing it from the chassis. The weight will need to be cut into two pieces by removing the weight above the motor. As you can see from the picture, only the weight above the bogies is left.

 

Screw the weight sections back on.

 

Step Three

 

If you are fitting a motor-only decoder, I suggest using a NCE D13SR/SRJ. Place a piece of insulation tape over the base of the decoder and tape the decoder to the top of the motor. Solder decoder wires to their respective places, being careful to keep the wires above the weights. This will ensure that the wires don’t get tangled in the drive shafts or caught between the weight and the body when it is put back on.

Once wiring is complete, place on the programming track and program.

 

Sound for the C class

 

The C class is fitted with a 16 cylinder Supercharged EMD 645E3 engine. Sound decoder options are: Soundtraxx 2nd Generation EMD or ESU Loksound 72489.

 

Soundtraxx DSD-AT100LC #820041 - 2nd Generation EMD

 

I used the AT100LC because of its narrow width. It is made to ‘plug and play’ into an Atlas brand model, and as such has no loose wires, only small solder pads – so be careful!

The decoder was insulated and taped to the motor like the NCE D13SR. I used the speaker out of a Trainorama 44 class and placed it inside the rear bogie space. When wiring the decoder, ensure that the wires will not touch and moving parts. Also make sure the bogie has plenty of movement.

I also fitted a LED headlight. Soundtraxx decoder do not like LED’s, check out Marcus’ headlight fix for Soundtraxx decoders.

Loksound 72489 install coming soon!