DCC Decoder Installations
Check our blog for installation schedule updates.
Attn: Customers, Please Note Our New E-Mail Address:
Life Like FA-2/FB-2
Precision milling, accurate wiring, and careful re-assembly assures that your locomotive's shell sits squarely and securely on the frame, and the drive operates as smoothly as when we receive it. We also check the wheel gauge and coupler height and make any adjustments necessary to make sure your engines are ready to roll when you are.
Return Shipping
We carefully re-package your locomotives and send up to three back to you via USPS Priority Mail. Return shipping is actual cost plus $2 for handling regardless of the number of units shipped. Insurance of $100 per engine is automatic, and included in the shipping price quoted.
Life Like GP-20 -
Atlas GP-35 (original '93 Run and older Classic releases)
Atlas RS-1 (Older split frame version)
ER Models Baldwin Shark (Hardwired)
Life Like BL-2 (Split Frame or Earlier Plastic Frame Drive)
Intermountain F-7 (Drop in Board)
Bachmann Consolidations and other Steam, including reverse lighting and sound
Installations also available for:
HO Scale: Contact us for a quote. Services include installation of sound decoders and speaker housings, specialty lighting
All engines are thoroughly tested before being shipped back to you. Decoders are programmed to the engine number address unless otherwise instructed. Warranty: Installations are covered for 90 days from the confirmed shipping receipt date. Decoder warranty requires your original purchase receipt and is subject to manufacturer approval. Installation warranty covers locomotive performance post-installation only. Materials and parts subject to manufacturer's warranty, if any.
Others available on request. Contact me for a quote at wm3798@gmail.com
Basic Hardwire Installation*: $40!
Diesel Installations Steam Installations Other Services
We'll mill your frame and install your supplied decoder. Current turn around time is 2 to 4 weeks. TCS CN decoders have integrated micro LED lighting, and require less frame milling. We now recommend TCS Decoders in most instances. Our experience shows them to be more flexible and reliable in hardwire installations. Check with us if you don't see your model and recommended decoder listed below.
Get your decoders from 
We test run your engines to make sure they operate smoothly and reliably before we send them back to your layout. I've been tinkering with N scale locomotives since the late 1970s, and installing decoders since 2002. We re-install the existing lighting wherever possible. See the "Other Services" list below if you would like a lighting upgrade to bright white LED's or any other customizing.
+No lighting available for this model
*Earlier non-DCC Split Frame
** Plastic Frame with Lead Weights and Dummy B units
*** Includes soldering contact tabs to assure good contact.
*Includes upgraded tender pick-up
** Requires additional wire harness
*** Due to the nature of the older frame castings which have a tendency to warp and crumble, we cannot gaurantee the success of the surgery. We'll contact you with the status of the installation when we receive your model, and have a chance to look it over. Thanks.
|
Item |
Comments |
Price |
|
Install Couplers (typical diesels) |
MicroTrains 1015 (includes couplers) |
$10/pr |
|
Coupler Conversions (older) |
MT open pilot kits, subject to availability- includes parts |
$24 |
|
Lighting upgrades |
Change out dim yellow LED's for white |
$18 |
|
Flashing Roof Beacon |
Arnold S-2, F units, others* |
$30 |
|
Rear Facing Headlight |
$18 | |
|
Life Like SW Cab Headlight |
$24 | |
|
Kato Mikado |
$25 | |
|
Wheel Flanges (Diesel) |
Turn down older flanges for c55 - 4 axle (pr) |
$16 |
|
Wheel Flanges (Diesel) |
Turn down older flanges for c55 - 6 axle (pr) |
$18 |
|
Wheel Flanges (Steam) |
Per Axle |
$8 |
Other locomotives by request, contact us for a quote.
Pay with PayPal! Or use Check or Money Order. Contact us at wm3798@gmail.com for details!