Just received this from that certain Liverpool retailer for a much reduced bargain price. As usual for Heljan, it's quite a weighty model with a powerful motor and a quality finish. Since toto has already covered decoder fitting to this model recently (I recall he had the "Royal Mail" livery, a later period repaint than my modelling era), I don't intend to cover this again, except to say that I decided to try a Hattons 21 pin decoder in this model, and am happy to say all seems fine, despite a very cheap price,- may try these again, shame they don't do 'own-brand' sound decoders! Attached files
They are very nice models and will pull loads far and away in excess of what the real things could - one member of another forum pulled something like 36 coaches with his, including up the gradients on his layout! The Hattons decoder should be fine - it is a 4-function decoder, meaning you can take advantage of all the lighting on the model on functions 0, 1 and 2.
I've tried quite a number of different decoder makes, and there's very little to choose between them really, although Hornby are the only ones I wouldn't bother with. I had a DCC fitted Class 08 shunter, and performance was pretty dire until I substituted a different make of decoder, which transformed it.......Nuff said! I have also used "Lais DCC" decoders, although I did get a bit of 'flak' from a poster on the 'other' forum, who is an NMRA member, criticising me for using a non-NMRA approved decoder. It later turned out that Lais are now approved by this body! Can't say I've had any problems with them, most have 'stay-alive' connections as standard, are full-function, and best of all, cheap, so how is that wrong? Having said that, my usual standard fit is Lenz unless space is tight,not cheap (unless bought in bulk from german "Box-Shifters), but good! Keith.
Hi Keith, Nice example of the model. I use Hattons own decoders and they seem to be fine so why not. I have fitted Lenz silver in a few, usually my 37's ( why ? ........ They are my favorite ). I have a couple fitted with Hornby decoders and am told that they are fine unless you fit them to Heljan as Heljan take a bigger load. I fitted these to loco's that I bought early on but don't bother with them now. Hattons or Lenz for me. I remember the post on YMRC about the Lias and like yourself think why not. When they were not an approved type I suppose you were taking a chance but that's up to the individual. With them now being approved it should take that risk away as much as it can do. Cheers Toto