N scale atlas gp9 with MRC 1955

[Kentuckian]

Help!  I'm totally new to DCC, just bought my NCE system last week.  I have an Atlas GP-9, Chesapeake & Ohio scheme, the frame is marked 1995.  I was really looking forward to sound, but my very expensive  "drop in" decoder does not fit! The frame slots are about 1.6 inches apart, while the decoder tabs are 1.1 inches apart.  What to do?

[garethashenden]

There are two versions of the GP-9. A DC one and a DCC ready one. You have the DC version. There are ways to fit decoders but not the decoder you have. There is more information of the GP7/9 models here: http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlasgp79.html

[Kentuckian]

Thanks!  I guess I need to find a newer frame.

[mmyers]

Newer frame won't work unless it comes with the whole new GP-9. Then you can use that expensive decoder in the new frame . Good news if you can't return the decoder should be able to use it in quite a few Atlas diesels that are labeled "DCC ready".

For your older GP9, you can install a TCS CN-GP decoder. Here's a link to their web page and installation:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Atlas/GP9/GP9%20with%20CN/Atlas_GP9_with_CN.html
No sound but unless you want to try a hard wire, frame cutting installation this is the best that can be done with it. Very good decoder, just no sound.

Martin Myers

[garethashenden]

Actually, if you get the two half of the newer frame and the DCC ready motor you can recycle all the other parts. They should be available from Atlas.

[Kentuckian]

I've ordered a new DCC ready engine and the TCS decoder for another one.  Live and learn.    thanks for the help!

[EMD F7A]

Mill the old frame down (clamp the bare frame halves together and grind or saw it down shorter) and let the decoder sit "loose" on top. Run small leads from the decoder's power-pickup tabs to the screws on the frame sides for power pickup. Not pretty, but should work just fine. Cheaper than a $20 replacement frame and nobody will know