All the latest variants of DCC control. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:14:04 +0000 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:14:04 +0000 Platform1mrc.com http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?forums/dcc-control/ Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:45:13 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-58-mainline-collett-1978.6891/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-58-mainline-collett-1978.6891/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
Although the motor is the integrated type used on other Mainline locos the fit of the body is tight, this is mentioned in the leaflet with the loco.

The general conversion of an integrated motor described in article #54 would cause even greater problems for body removal and fitting so a different arrangement is required for this chassis.

Body Removal &...

DCC Loco Conversions - 58 - Mainline Collett 1978]]> 22 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:31:19 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-64-bachmann-split-chassis-j39-overview.7171/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-64-bachmann-split-chassis-j39-overview.7171/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
I have dusted down the images and applied overview notes, techniques applied are covered in my techniques articles but these are largely self explanatory.

The first two images show the separated chassis halves and the springs which transfer power to the motor brushes which must be removed.

View attachment 51159

View attachment 51160 ...

DCC Loco Conversions - 64 - Bachmann Split Chassis J39 - Overview]]> Sat, 07 Mar 2026 09:07:28 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-issue-with-heljan-turntable.4998/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-issue-with-heljan-turntable.4998/ invalid@example.com (Brian A) Brian A
I have a layout which runs under Railroad and Co. It has a Heljan TT which is setup to run under DCC. The main DCC Controller is a Lenz LZV100. The TT is attached to the seperate points bus. The TT works fine under the Lenz DCC and RR&C, BUT does random movements, ie every couple of minutes it will just take off to a new track. This puts it out of sync with the RR&C as it will now be on track 8 whereas RR&C thinks its on track 1.

Heljan tech support believes it is interference on the...

DCC issue with Heljan Turntable]]> 45 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 17:56:18 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-block-detectors.7058/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-block-detectors.7058/ invalid@example.com (Sam) Sam
I know that this has probably been asked a million times, but I can’t find the answer.

I am hoping someone can give me some advice and help.

I am running 3 O Gauge Locos on a single loop all in the same direction. They are DCC and I am trying to stop one train from catching up to the other, without having to manually adjust it all the time, so something automatic would be great.

The DCC system I am using is LocomotiveDCC (https://www.locomotivedcc.co.uk/system/).

I...

DCC Block detectors]]> 19 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:48:08 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/esu-v4xl.6990/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/esu-v4xl.6990/ invalid@example.com (Tony Hubbard) Tony Hubbard I have installed the wires to AUX1 & +U terminals , this operates on function 19 on my Lenz handset.
Can anyone tell me how to turn down the fan motor , I have tried CV291 , that had no impact.
The function menu tells me that had the fan been installed it would have been on number 12 , when I operate that number there is a sound.
My chip fitter doesn`t give advice.

Tony.]]> 1 Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:13:33 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-61-airfix-14xx-1977.6905/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-61-airfix-14xx-1977.6905/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
Back then I added pickups to an attached coach, mistakenly to a B-set coach before I knew that would not have run with an auto-coach in practice and attached pickups to the bogie nearest the loco and ran wires to the loco, better but not much.

Over 45...

DCC Loco Conversions - 61 - Airfix 14xx 1977]]> 9 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:49:48 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/migration-from-nce.6594/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/migration-from-nce.6594/ invalid@example.com (Wombat) Wombat
Just been doing some inventory on my NCE kit as I start to wire up the first parts of my layout and I've learned that my NCE SB3a is now retired, as my layout is going to have around 117m's of running track and I'm working out my power districts and that can of worms, I'm wondering if its worth moving away from my NCE Powercab+SB3a to a new system or if there are any updated etc that I should be looking out for on the NCE kit?

I did buy the powercab and command station...

Migration From NCE]]> 7 Sun, 11 May 2025 08:41:21 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-62-british-trix-trans-pennine-dmu.6935/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-62-british-trix-trans-pennine-dmu.6935/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
Primarily this article is DCC conversion but also part creating a running set.

First I cover a little of the history of the unique Trans-Pennine DMUs as I determine how to DCC convert the Trix offering.

Train Formations

From...

DCC Loco Conversions - 62 - British Trix Trans-Pennine DMU]]> 2 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:18:26 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-60-mainline-class-45-1976.6902/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-60-mainline-class-45-1976.6902/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
This conversion assumes that the loco is in good running order, many Mainline locos are not even if they have had little use since new.

D49 with good tyres has enough grip to haul 6 re-wheeled Mainline brand coaches up a 1:48, including a standing start, D100 lighter needed additional weight.

Outlne of Work Required

These locos especially D49 are...

DCC Loco Conversions - 60 - Mainline Class 45 1976]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 23:04:33 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-59-mainline-airfix-gmr-n2-1980.6899/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-59-mainline-airfix-gmr-n2-1980.6899/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
At this time there was many newcomers to the model railway market, Airfix models gradually migrated to other manufacturers, Mainline and Airfix GMR (Great Model Railways) were not around long either, some Mainline locos were adopted and modified by Bachmann whilst retaining the Mainline split chassis design.

This N2 seems to be a case of Mainline taking on an Airfix GMR...

DCC Loco Conversions - 59 - Mainline/Airfix GMR N2 1980]]> 2 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:21:10 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-57-mainline-rebuilt-scot-1980.6885/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-57-mainline-rebuilt-scot-1980.6885/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
Outlne of Work Required

I have two of these locos bought new when they first came out, running numbers LMS 6110 and 6115.

One has a partial split at one end of the gear axle tube but does not affect running, and the driving wheels are still held firm, if this needs replacing this is easily accessed by removing the chassis base plate.The split...

DCC Loco Conversions - 57 - Mainline Rebuilt Scot 1980]]> 2 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:34:02 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-56-mainline-standard-4-1980.6880/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-56-mainline-standard-4-1980.6880/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
Outline of Work Required

I have two of these locos bought new when they first came out, running numbers 75001 and 75006.

75006 was converted back in 2016 before I joined P1 MRC and photographed conversion work for submitting as articles, this article is based on 75001.

The split chassis design of this loco and its ample space around the motor...

DCC Loco Conversions - 56 - Mainline Standard 4 1980]]> 2 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:48:43 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-55-mainline-j72-1976.6875/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-55-mainline-j72-1976.6875/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
The motor is the Mainline integrated type which I covered in detail in...

DCC Loco Conversions - 55 - Mainline J72 1976]]> 1 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 13:13:22 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/21-pin-dcc-decoder-which-one.6847/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/21-pin-dcc-decoder-which-one.6847/ invalid@example.com (Sam) Sam As the title suggests I am looking into 21 pin DCC Decoders, I am new at this and have 2 Dapol O gauge Locomotives that are DCC ready.
Any suggestions and recommendations for these would be very helpful.
I have looked at the Imperium 1 and 3, but the reviews don't seem very good on those and Bachmann seem to be a bit hit and miss also.
Any suggestions from the group would be very helpful
Thanks
Sam]]> 10 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 21:11:20 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-54-mainline-integrated-motor.6849/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-54-mainline-integrated-motor.6849/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
Specific DCC conversions of locomotive types using this motor configuration are covered in the subsequent articles.

Two variants I have that require a different approach when converting a loco with an integrated motor are

• J72 loco, DCC conversion article...

DCC Loco Conversions - 54 - Mainline Integrated Motor]]> Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:21:01 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/bachmann-mainline-v2-split-chassis-conversion-to-dcc.1678/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/bachmann-mainline-v2-split-chassis-conversion-to-dcc.1678/ invalid@example.com (paul_l) paul_l


The victim duly arrived, and was put on the track to test it, found the rear wheel loose but no great issue.

The body was removed to check for space, and the phrase that came to mind was "not a lot".

The chassis was oiled and spent a good part of the weekend...

Bachmann / Mainline V2 split chassis conversion to DCC]]> 34 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:23:42 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-11-general-techniques-2-of-2.5917/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-11-general-techniques-2-of-2.5917/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight Decoder Connections

I will solder wherever possible, fitting connectors into a 4mm scale chassis requires a lot of volume, so given a loco without a socket I will in general hard wire, that is solder the decoder wires directly to the locos motor brush arms and pickups.

Typically decoders with wires terminated with an 8 pin plug are cheaper than those without, probably because most are sold with a plug, just carefully cut off the unnecessary leads at the decoder so they cannot short...

DCC Loco Conversions - 11 - General Techniques - 2 of 2]]> 2 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:58:31 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-53-mainline-43xx-mogul-1978.6832/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-53-mainline-43xx-mogul-1978.6832/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
If you are lucky and have a sound loco then just the motor mofifications and the final part of this tale is all you need.

This one was bought used from Hattons some years ago, unfortunately it had suffered from Mazak rot, although not visibly distorted it had become brittle.

This...

DCC Loco Conversions - 53 - Mainline 43xx Mogul 1978]]> 3 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:48:11 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-computer-control-on-overtoun-junction.6819/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-computer-control-on-overtoun-junction.6819/ invalid@example.com (Andrew Laing) Andrew Laing
Now I don’t want hands off automation for my layout, So why computer control?

I used the Gaugemaster Prodigy advance and always find swapping between Locos on the controller a bit of a faff, I didn’t want to go down the train controller software route so decided to use the MRC software (American Designer of the Prodigy system). This gives me two throttles on the screen of my laptop and four accessories. It also allows you to create a Loco roster which...

DCC computer control on Overtoun Junction]]> 9 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:13:51 +0000 http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-52-mainline-class-03-1982.6795/ http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/dcc-loco-conversions-52-mainline-class-03-1982.6795/ invalid@example.com (Jim Freight) Jim Freight
This one had a broken jackshaft connection on one side but it is barely noticeable with the body fitted, the prototype uses that shaft to drive the 6 coupled wheels, but it is purely cosmetic on the Mainline model. Later both cranks were removed.

It also had quartering issues on one axle and a bent idle gear axle which was repaired, it had certainly been...

DCC Loco Conversions - 52 - Mainline Class 03 1982]]>