TheRailwire

General Discussion => DCC / Electronics => Topic started by: Kentuckian on November 27, 2013, 03:03:32 PM

Title: N scale atlas gp9 with MRC 1955
Post by: Kentuckian on November 27, 2013, 03:03:32 PM

Help!  I'm totally new to DCC, just bought my NCE system last week.  I have an Atlas GP-9, Chesapeake & Ohio scheme, the frame is marked 1995.  I was really looking forward to sound, but my very expensive  "drop in" decoder does not fit! The frame slots are about 1.6 inches apart, while the decoder tabs are 1.1 inches apart.  What to do?

Title: Re: N scale atlas gp9 with MRC 1955
Post by: garethashenden on November 27, 2013, 05:23:10 PM

There are two versions of the GP-9. A DC one and a DCC ready one. You have the DC version. There are ways to fit decoders but not the decoder you have. There is more information of the GP7/9 models here: http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlasgp79.html

Title: Re: N scale atlas gp9 with MRC 1955
Post by: Kentuckian on November 27, 2013, 10:42:58 PM

Thanks!  I guess I need to find a newer frame.

Title: Re: N scale atlas gp9 with MRC 1955
Post by: mmyers on November 28, 2013, 05:44:25 AM

Newer frame won't work unless it comes with the whole new GP-9. Then you can use that expensive decoder in the new frame . Good news if you can't return the decoder should be able to use it in quite a few Atlas diesels that are labeled "DCC ready".

For your older GP9, you can install a TCS CN-GP decoder. Here's a link to their web page and installation:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Atlas/GP9/GP9%20with%20CN/Atlas_GP9_with_CN.html
No sound but unless you want to try a hard wire, frame cutting installation this is the best that can be done with it. Very good decoder, just no sound.

Martin Myers

Title: Re: N scale atlas gp9 with MRC 1955
Post by: garethashenden on November 29, 2013, 08:50:19 AM

Actually, if you get the two half of the newer frame and the DCC ready motor you can recycle all the other parts. They should be available from Atlas.

Title: Re: N scale atlas gp9 with MRC 1955
Post by: Kentuckian on November 29, 2013, 09:32:48 AM

I've ordered a new DCC ready engine and the TCS decoder for another one.  Live and learn.   :facepalm: thanks for the help!

Title: Re: N scale atlas gp9 with MRC 1955
Post by: EMD F7A on January 21, 2014, 02:16:09 AM

Mill the old frame down (clamp the bare frame halves together and grind or saw it down shorter) and let the decoder sit "loose" on top. Run small leads from the decoder's power-pickup tabs to the screws on the frame sides for power pickup. Not pretty, but should work just fine. Cheaper than a $20 replacement frame and nobody will know :)