ScaleTrains GP30 Arrival (End of January)

[packers#1]

I’ve noticed that too in HO Pete, especially on ones that have a keep alive circuit already as part of the factory DCC. I still like upgrading them with a Scale Sound Systems speaker and enclosure, but the factory DCC decoder works fine. I will say that I buy DC Athearn locos because I prefer to stick with ESU, but those shells are typically very easy to remove.

[C855B]

@C855B With respect to the lead filling the fuel tank, I am surprised that no one has made a 3d printed mold of the inside of the tank (use thick walls), melted the lead, and poured it into the mold to maximize the fill weight.

I've considered it, but the tungsten cubes + lead solution is super easy for the ST models - the fit is surprisingly efficient, space-wise. Might be worthwhile pursuing on the Atlas SD45s I have on the bench for detailing, but I haven't done any A-B testing to see if there are gains.

Of course, if I did such a thing and made the STL available, you know someone would come along and attempt the mold on an FDM printer. 

I think he will get a better deal buying them with DCC installed than buying the DC loco and then buying separate decoder. I think the cost difference between factory DC and DCC is less than the price of a separate decoder.

No, the ESU E24 LokPilot - provided you can find one! - is $30-35, while the factory differential DC vs DCC/sound is $105. Now what is a possibility is the factory offers an installation service for the LokPilot for $30. That would be worth the bother, and let them fiddle with the (damn) wheel sander detail and coupler boxes!

[peteski]

No, the ESU E24 LokPilot - provided you can find one! - is $30-35, while the factory differential DC vs DCC/sound is $105. Now what is a possibility is the factory offers an installation service for the LokPilot for $30. That would be worth the bother, and let them fiddle with the (damn) wheel sander detail and coupler boxes!

Ah, I was assuming a LokSound decoder. Oh well.

[Southern1970]

I think he will get a better deal buying them with DCC installed than buying the DC loco and then buying separate decoder. I think the cost difference between factory DC and DCC is less than the price of a separate decoder. I'm not even including the cost of labor time your friend had to spend  installing the decoder.

I’m finding that out the hard way.  I think after other hearing about the issues with their first run of their SD40-2 and also wanting to make my own speaker enclosures I thought it do it the long/hard way.  In hindsight I wash I got the loksound and speakers installed from factory.