TrainOrama 44

Main
July 05

Installing decoder in the TrainOrama 44 by Ray Pilgram

I have just fitted decoders into my 3 44's (thanks for the alert Allan).

There are some traps for the unwary.

First remove the couplers - easy. Second, watch out for the fuel tank, it comes off real easy - do not hang onto the loco by the fuel tank!!!!

I broke one set of steps off here when the tank came off suddenly, you may also drop your 44.

Now you have to pull the staff exchanger boxes out in a vertical motion downwards towards the wheels (yes, upwards if it is upside down).

[Editor: I pried the side of the locomotive at each one of the staff exchangers and pushed down with the end of a small paintbrush. Both exchangers popped out easily. Ensure that all this work is done over the empty box wit the packing foam in place.]

This is very difficult first time around as I think some paint from the interior causes them to stick, they take some jiggling/pulling to get out.

The front exchanger has a short 'leg' up into the body and is difficult to get past the brake cylinder and bogie frame, watch out for the step on the bogie, I broke one - Superglue back OK though. The locating pins are way too small when they need not be.

The rear exchanger box has a longer 'leg'.

Once these are out the body will come off with a little flexing of the sides to release the small clips inside the body.

[Editor: I grabbed the locomotive shell on both sides a pied then out, the loco doped out freely. Ensure that all this work is done over the empty box wit the packing foam in place.]

I installed a NCE D14SR decoder which is very small with the required 8 pin plug and it has 6 functions (for marker lights to be fitted maybe?) and cost $34.50 from Model Railroad Craftsman at Blacktown, Sydney.

Now, there is a resistor that needs to be bent slightly sideways outwards (about 1mm) to allow the decoder to sit down, you will see which one.

Also there are short pins from the decoder plug (below) that protrude through the decoder board and extend 1.5 mm or so out the top.

These pins must be cut down to the solder joint to clear the inside of the body - use transistor nippers.

You will understand what I mean when you see the decoder. Assemble carefully - watch that fuel tank, perhaps a small spot of Quick-Grip to hold it until it ever needs removing (motor replacement only).

That's about it - enjoy.

Ray