DCC for the Austrains X class

By Josh Beveridge 1/3/2006

 

 

The Austrains VR X class model is fitted with an 8-pin NMRA plug, but the wiring to the plug from the model to the plug is ‘mirror-reverse’ to what it should be. The plug needs to be rewired before connecting a decoder.

Use a decoder that has a built-in 8-pin plug.

 

Remember, any modification to the electronics will void the manufacturers warranty!

 

Step One –

 

The first thing to do is to remove the body. This model follows standard hood loco construction, in that the body separates from the footplate.

 

Work from the nose to work the body free by squeezing the sides together and pulling the body/footplate apart at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

Step Two –

 

 

 

As produced the model is fitted with 1.5V light globes and a lighting PCB, they need to be removed.

 

 

 

 

 

Step Three –

 

Once the plug on the harness has been rewired, you can fit your decoder. Make sure that the pins correspond to their intended function.

 

Program your decoder and test run.

 

Remember if you still run DC models, make sure the DCC’d loco runs the same direction. If not rotate the decoder 180deg.

 

I used a D14SR decoder used in both the Austrains T & X class models.

(Model shown on right, is an Austrains T class, but appearance would be the same).

 

Step Four –

 

I fitted an LED with dropping resistor (470 ohm) into the same spot as the original 1.5V globe.

 

Remember to insulate the ‘legs’ of the LED with heatsink tube. I secured the LED in place with a bit of ‘Blu-Tac’, which also stops light shining back into the cab (and into the drivers eye’s!).

 

Connect the LED to the harness as described in the decoder instructions.

 

 

Sound For the VR X class

 

The VR X class diesels are fitted with a Turbocharged 16 cylinder EMD engine and dynamic brakes.

-                     1st series (X31-36) have 16 cylinder 567 engines (1800hp).

-                     2nd series (X37-44) and 3rd series (X45-54) have 16 cylinder 645 engines (2200hp)

 

They are also described as ‘2nd Generation EMD’ Locomotives.

 

Soundtraxx DSD/DSX – Sound decoders will not fit without major modification to the metal weight.

 

Soundtraxx ‘Tsunami’ – Sound decoder will fit without any modification. The speaker will need to be placed in the fuel tank.

A ‘2nd Generation EMD’ sound decoder is not yet available at the moment (Feb 2006). I will update when released.

 

ESU Loksound – 72441

 

The Loksound decoder will fit, but some modification will need to be made to the metal weight. There is plenty of room in the fuel tank for the supplied speaker, but the speaker housing will need to be trimmed in depth (if you don’t want the speaker visible when viewed level side on).

 

The closest match is stock number: 72441

(EMD 16-645, Turbocharged, Dynamic, 3-chime air horn).

 

 

ESU Loksound is to release a range of ‘Mini’ sound decoders soon,

which will fit without any modification to the metal weight.

 

 

          Fitting the Speaker

 

As mentioned above the supplied Loksound speaker will fit in the fuel tank.

 

A 2mm hole needs to be drilled in the plastic chassis/footplate molding at allow the speaker wires to pass thru. A small notch has to be made in the end of the tank to accept the wires.

 

 

 

 

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