DCC for LL GP38-2s?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Can someone fill me in on what Decoderizing a Wally World GP38-2 is like? I've got a pair that I really want to get into service, but haven't done the DCC thing to yet.

I think it's about time. Recommendations?

Please don't tell me they're CN-GP jobs...

[wm3798]

Can you pop off the shell and let me see what the drive looks like?  I don't have any, but if I can see how the drive is set up, I might be able to make some suggestions.
Lee

[davefoxx]

Lee,

If Ed can't get you a picture, I can.  I DCC'd a LL GP38-2 a year or so ago by pulling the shell off and placing it on an Atlas frame.    I still have the LL frame around somewhere.

DFF

[Bob Bufkin]

Don't think they make a drop-in decoder for them.  Might have to hard wire a DZ143 or DZ125 or another small decoder.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/llgp38.html

Ugh. The curse of the 80% done engine continues...

[Bob Bufkin]

Should have gotten an Atlas one.  My PC runs smoot as silk.

[Philip H]

Lee did an LL/Bev Bel IC for me a while ago - one of the split lead blob varieties.  Put a DZ-125 in as I recall - thing runs better then before.

Don't have one of the new ones with the retooled frame though for comparison.

[sizemore]

Easy there Trigger. The LL GP-18's and RS-2's use the DN163K2, might work for the GP-38 as well, with some minor modification:

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163k2.php

The S.

[Philip H]

Easy there Trigger. The LL RS-2's use the DN163K2, might work for the GP-38 as well, with some minor modification:

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163k2.php

The S.

But only if he's got the newer solid frame, not the lead blob version.

[sizemore]

But only if he's got the newer solid frame, not the lead blob version.

This is Ed. He wouldn't even sniff the air out of the package on a "blob".


The S.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Exactly.

I've got two of the Atlas ones (and a third if Ian ever ships me the one he owes me...), as well as two CR GP38s too. But these are a different phase. Also, they have the sexy skinny fuel tanks. If it weren't for that, they might've gotten Atlascized by now.

[victor miranda]

atlascized....

this needs a definition...

to shove an atlas chassis where it does not belong ?


Btw,
a milling machine  will make most any decoder fit....
I have a milling machine.

doesn't TCS make a two piece decoder that fits in the light board area?

v

[davefoxx]

Should have gotten an Atlas one.  My PC runs smoot as silk.

I think Ed bought his for the same reason that I did: they were dirt cheap at MBK a year or two ago.  I got my Seaboard System GP38-2 for some ridiculous price like $29.99, if I remember correctly.  I "Atlascized" it with a spare GP38 frame that I already had.  Now it runs as good as my other Atlas GP38s.

DFF

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Precisely Dave.

What's a shame is that they run really nicely, replacing them with new mechs just for the ease of DCC install seems like a waste.

Then again, I hate adding another "major project" to the queue. I've got a layout to build...

I've already done the quick stuff: the details and the paint touch ups, I just don't want to dig into the mechanical side of it. I guess they'll sit for another while then... shame.

[davefoxx]

Precisely Dave.

What's a shame is that they run really nicely, replacing them with new mechs just for the ease of DCC install seems like a waste.

Ed,

Keep in mind that the transplant can be temporary.  As I wrote, I still have my LL chassis.  I can pull the Atlas frame out and plant it underneath another shell at anytime.  If you want to run the CR GP38-2, just swap it, until you need that chassis for it's original shell or for some other purpose.  Then, when you get around to decoderizing the LL chassis, put it back.

DFF