Model Power MRC 4-4-0 Need Help

[peteski]

Your DC throttles (power supplies) are perfectly safe for the standard DC locos.  But as we have been learning, some decoders (even though they are designed to handle DC operation) seem to be more delicate than others when the throttle supplies more that let's say 14 or 16V.  And since these are sound decoders you are probably running them with the throttle cranked up high (to get to realistic operating speeds).
As far as what to do, it is a tough call.  Max Magliaro created a modification for the MRC 1300 throttle to limit the upper voltage. Maybe something similar could be done for your throttles (assuming that they also produce excessive voltage).

[CBQ Fan]

I am going to call BLI Friday to see about ordering a replacement decoder.  It looks like they will have to be used for slow run local trains and dress up my engine yard.  How I wish Kato would have done E5B units.  I also hope they will do phase 2 E5 units or at least a rerun of updated and correct E8/9’s.

[mmagliaro]

I don't know.  I think if it were me, I'd try to do the bypass, including the wiring of the headlight, and see how long it really takes.  It might take a few hours the first time you do it, but after that, you'll have the exact procedure down and it will go a LOT faster.   What if you could knock them out in a half hour?   I think in the long run you will be happier to have them all be decoder-free.   They will run better on your DC layout that way.

[peteski]

I don't know.  I think if it were me, I'd try to do the bypass, including the wiring of the headlight, and see how long it really takes.  It might take a few hours the first time you do it, but after that, you'll have the exact procedure down and it will go a LOT faster.   What if you could knock them out in a half hour?   I think in the long run you will be happier to have them all be decoder-free.   They will run better on your DC layout that way.

Yeah. And Max or I can give you some instructions (and part numbers) of what you would need to get the headlights working.

Brian, I'm curious: were the locos you own only sold with sound decoders, or was there a DC version also available?

[CBQ Fan]

Yes they only came DC/DCC with sound.

I called BLI today and the lady was extremely helpful and friendly. I bought them when they came out, a couple years ago, but they have less than 30 minutes on them all.  They are going to replace the board under warranty and since I needed a couple axles with no traction tires she is throwing that in as well.  So for now I will run them at lower speeds and in single units.

[peteski]

It's very nice of BLI to service these for you (and under warranty).

[CBQ Fan]

It's very nice of BLI to service these for you (and under warranty).

Very unexpected and appreciated!