Life Like SD7/9s & DCC

[GNFA310]

I have nine Life Like SD7/9 loco's. These loco's have proven (for me at least) to be very reliable with very good speed range. The negative: they are not DCC compatible.

Problem: I would like to know how to convert at least three loco's to DCC, but I have no idea what decoder could be used or even if DCC conversion is even possible considering the plastic frame.

If anyone has managed to convert one of these loco's, I am very interested in how to go about doing it.

[C855B]

http://tcsdcc.com/installation/n-scale/life-sd7/m1

[GNFA310]

Thanks  Mike. I hadn't thought to check out TCS.

[peteski]

Problem: I would like to know how to convert at least three loco's to DCC, but I have no idea what decoder could be used or even if DCC conversion is even possible considering the plastic frame.

Not sure why you would think that a plastic frame would be a hindrance for a DCC conversion.  Not only it is insulating (usually a good thing for DCC), it also means that the loco has separate metal weights. That also makes it easier to free up some space for the decoder.  Those weights are usually made frm lead, which is very soft metal, making it easy to modify its shape (opening up space for wired-in decoder).

[atsf_arizona]

Here's another really nice web site showing DCC Decoder install in the LifeLike SD7 / SD9.  Also shows how to get the shell off:

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/grela/lifesd7-sd9.html



I know Andre Kritzinger has had some health issues, so Andre' if you see this post, we all wish you good health and happy modeling.

By the way, I used Andre's methods as well to get the shell off the Lifelike SD7 / SD9:  http://www.pbase.com/atsf_arizona/lifelike_n_sd7_shell_removal__renumbering

Thx Andre for your website.

[drbnc]

I just did two of these yesterday and this morning.  Roughly an hour each, used Digitrax DZ126 decoders with SMD LEDs.  Used the link that John provided above.  Have one more to go...

[GNFA310]

Do you have any pics? Particularly interested in the SMD LED install.

[drbnc]

Do you have any pics? Particularly interested in the SMD LED install.

Sorry, just saw your question.  Yes, pics.

[nscalbitz]

Here's another really nice web site showing DCC Decoder install in the LifeLike SD7 / SD9.  Also shows how to get the shell off:

http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/grela/lifesd7-sd9.html



I know Andre Kritzinger has had some health issues, so Andre' if you see this post, we all wish you good health and happy modeling.

By the way, I used Andre's methods as well to get the shell off the Lifelike SD7 / SD9:  http://www.pbase.com/atsf_arizona/lifelike_n_sd7_shell_removal__renumbering

Thx Andre for your website.

Andrés site is a great help for these older models.
I've not yet converted anything to DCC but a GP40, but there are others to consider.
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[GNFA310]

Sorry, just saw your question.  Yes, pics.

Thanks for the pics... answers several concerns. Now just need to get the necessary items. 

[Espeeman]

I did this with one of mine. The biggest thing I didn't like was the loss of weight. Maybe I could have done a better job and found a way to keep it in there. I would be interested in seeing how you do yours.