DCC Loco Conversions - 27 - Dublo N2 Tank

This article applies to the open frame motor versions by Hornby Dublo, the later version based on a modified R1 chassis will be covered in a separate article.

Installation of a decoder is straightforward, modifying the chassis to insulate the original brush holder takes most of the time.

Very Important - the chassis was modified as in articles 22 and 23, failure to do so can destroy a decoder.

https://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/inde...rsions-22-dublo-brush-holder-extraction.6017/

https://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/inde...sions-23-dublo-brush-holder-replacement.6025/

The two N2 locos described here are both Hornby Dublo, one is ex-3 rail converted to 2 rail as bought and the second a 2 rail as made, as usual they were like chalk and cheese. One accepted a Rails decoder, the other preferred or rather demanded a different decoder due to hunting, hunting was dealt with in gory detail during the 2-6-4T conversions, article 26, Ref 27.1.

In both cases the tender extension of the chassis provides a shelf to mount the decoder, although it looks large, the lugs from the rear of the body grab a fair slice of the tail end, fixing in place with double sided sticky pads will suffice here.

RoS-6D in the ex 3 rail N2

During the un-insulated brush tube extraction process I found that the insulation around the original insulated brush tube had split. This may be replaced in a similar manner to the non-insulated tube. The insertion of the 4BA tap is usually enough to remove the tube, whilst less opening out with reamers is required as the hole is already larger by design.

For details of connecting to this decoder please refer to Solution 1 of article 26, Ref 27.2.






DCC93 in the 2 rail N2

For details of connecting to this decoder please refer to Solution 2 of article 26, Ref 27.3.

In the case of an N2, note the Duck tape around the decoder, which was also applied around the inside of the tender.

Also note the large adhesive pad to which the wires are stuck to increase the contact area to mount the decoder, this doubles as a strain relief for the wire connections to the pads on the decoder PCB.






Issues

The only one was the split insulation on the ex-3 rail loco, otherwise straightforward.

Summary

Quite a few references have been made to other articles in the series, quite deliberately, to minimise repetition and boredom, this also enables any updates to made to common single articles where improved techniques or additional forum members input has been added.

Discussion always

Jim

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References

All in DCC Loco Conversions - 26 - Dublo & Wrenn 2-6-4 Tank

https://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/inde...o-conversions-26-dublo-wrenn-2-6-4-tank.6066/

27.1 - Issues - Hunting whether BEMF was used or not.

27.2 - Solution 1 - Rails RoS-6D decoder (connection)

27.3 - Solution 2 - Gaugemaster DCC93 decoder (connection)