How to fit a DCC decoder chip to an older model railway loco without a socket

Fitting a modern digital decoder chip to older non-DCC-ready locos is not difficult and can save you money. Here's how I did it with a Mainline Class 45 and a Hornby decoder, but the same method can be used for most diesels of a similar vintage. Includes a quick run-down of wiring essentials.

[@roberthiorns7584]

Nice video Peter and your narration is so pleasing on ones lugs.
Thank you ,
Robert.

[@paterpracticus]

Thank you so much. Hope the video was useful too.

[@ScottRails]

This is a really great tutorial. Well done.

[@paterpracticus]

Thanks very much. Hopefully makes the whole process seem very doable - and not necessarily expensive.

[@aggbr]

Good sensible basic no-frills video. Thanks.

[@paterpracticus]

Thank you. That was exactly what I was aiming at. Hope you found it useful. I'm going to do similar ones for directional lights and coach illuminations soon. PP

[@jeffreymace6357]

Great video. I have around a dozen old Hornby and Lima locos from the 1970/80's. I'm about to build a loft layout. Will hopefully be able to convert my old stuff to DCC

[@paterpracticus]

Thanks. Good luck with the layout. The simple Hornby decoders I used in the video are great for just motor control, but if you want to add lighting etc. you'll need something like the Gaugemaster Ruby series - I used one of these in my DCC lighting test rig: czcams.com/video/vXCMHpEcoSI/video.htmlsi=Y6boCYTpv3yN_bF4

[@kennethmcintyre2847]

Very helpful. May attempt on one of my only non DCC ready loco.

[@paterpracticus]

Glad you found it useful. Take a look at the first bit of this too: czcams.com/video/9SdaQ_uuG4E/video.htmlsi=ylISun39ACDGOfhv
I've found a really neat decoder socket that makes to job even easier.

[@liamhenning]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@paterpracticus]

Glad you found it helpful. You might also be interested in this: czcams.com/video/9SdaQ_uuG4E/video.html. Includes a slightly more advanced (but equally easy) approach by adding a decoder socket - as well as how to add lights.

[@liamhenning]

@@paterpracticus excellent. Thanks Peter. I’ve subscribed to your channel

[@roylegrand9904]

Thank you for your superb explanation! Could you, please, tell me: would this decoder work just with the Hornby controller, or it can be used with some others, such as Roco Z21, Pico etc.?

[@paterpracticus]

Should work with any DCC controller as it is sold as NMRA compliant.

[@roylegrand9904]

@@paterpracticusThank you very much! Greatly appreciated! I am very new with this concept, therefore your enlightenment is priceless.

[@paterpracticus]

DCC is a great system and has many possibilities - and it needn't be at all complicated. I've got a couple of other videos you might be relevant, or just give you an idea of what can be done, eg: czcams.com/video/9SdaQ_uuG4E/video.htmlsi=iOSmA7D92c4azP0n

[@roylegrand9904]

@@paterpracticusThank you again, Peter! Watched with great interest.
I have a question about your choice of decoders: what is the best place to shop for them? Aliexpress, Ebay perhaps?

[@roylegrand9904]

Hello again, Peter.
I wonder if you had ever installed a decoder with sound function?

[@paterpracticus]

Hi, I’ve not done anything with sound, but I have done lights. The simple Hornby 6 pin decoder is good for just driving the motor, but you’ll need at an 8 pin or more for lights. Gaugemaster Ruby ones are very good.

[@roylegrand9904]

Thank you so much and sorry for bothering you so often! I'll start checking them up. Besides, I think my contemplating on adding a sound to such old locos which I have in mind sounds too bold. Indeed, just DCC motor running and lights is already a great thing to have -- the way you've done it!

[@simonwinn387]

Excellent video

[@paterpracticus]

@@simonwinn387 Glad you found it useful.