Page 29 - 38. MRH13-04-Apr2013
Basic HTML Version
What can you do to protect yourself?
My primary recommendation is to deal with a DCC-savvy
dealer. If you have one, rely on their recommendations. Tell
them what your end goal is (DCC, sound, etc.). Follow their
7
7: Life-Like Proto 2000 S1 (HO-scale) light board and
DCC socket.
8
8: Life-Like Proto 2000 S1 (HO-scale) motor after insula-
tion – bottom view.
DCC Impulses Column - 6
recommendations. If they steer you wrong, they should be
willing to make things right. If your dealer isn’t DCC-savvy, then
you need to be, or take a friend who is. Get them to open a
loco before you purchase it. Check it out. Look for: DCC socket,
room for decoder, and LEDs. These usually mean that you can
plug a decoder in and go.
Swap meets
You are never certain what you get at a swap meet, unless you
know the seller very well.
Be aware of locos that already have decoders installed. Who did
the installation and what were their workmanship standards? If
it isn’t a very recently relelased locomotive, what generation of
decoder is installed? Decoders evolve. Three-year-old decoders
are frequently not on par with current offerings.
Hopefully, this will help folks better understand what to look for
when purchasing a locomotive.
If you liked this column, please
click on the Reader Feedback
link here and rate it awesome.
Please join in the conversation
that invaribly develops there
about the topics presented in
the column.
Share your experiences. I
expect this column to generate
some lively discussions there.
Thanks.
Until next month, I wish you
green boards.
MRH-Apr 2013
