Installing a DCC decoder in a Hornby Class 59
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Before installing chip into any loco it is advisable to check the current being drawn by the loco. You should test the current drawn when the loco is stalled to find the peak current and select a decoder that will cope with that maximum current requirement. This must be the easiest loco into which a decoder can be installed. It is just a pity that Hornby did not take the opportunity to upgrade the original Lima model by adding lights, which would have enhanced the loco considerably. The loco is, however, DCC ready so all you need is a decoder with a NMRA 52 8-pin plug. In this example, a Zimo MX64R decoder is used. |
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The body can just be unclipped from the chassis by gently levering along the edge of the body shell. either with finger nails or by inserting some thin pieces of card. Once one side has been released, release the other side and lever the body away from the chassis by gently rocking from end to end. |
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The dummy DCC plug can be removed and the decoder inserted, making sure the pin with the orange wire goes into Pin 1 (clearly labelled). The decoder was secured to the plastic chassis with a piece of double sided tape. As the chassis is plastic, no insulation was required on the decoder. |
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If you need to remove the capacitor there is one which is attached to the motor block. To access this it is necessary to separate the motor block from the chassis by releasing the pin, then snipping the wires attaching the capacitor. Program the loco on the programming track and make any adjustments to the DCC settings, then test the loco before replacing the body. |
