Free install guides · Step-by-step photos · Videos · Install service
DCC decoder installation, step by step
688 photo guides for HO, N, Z, TT and O scale locomotives from 51 manufacturers. Find your model, get the exact parts, and follow along photo by photo. Rather not do it yourself? We will install it for you.
Watch a decoder install
Short walk-throughs from the decoder makers, from plug-and-play sockets to hard-wired steam.
Before you start
Every install falls into one of three types. Find yours, gather the tools, and test before you close it up.
Easiest
Plug-and-play socket
8-pin, 21-pin, Next18, PluX or E24. Remove the shell, pull the blank plug, plug in the decoder. No soldering.
Moderate
Drop-in board
The decoder replaces the original light board. Some disassembly, tape and care with tabs and wires.
Advanced
Hard-wired
No socket. Isolate the motor from the frame and solder the decoder in. Most sound and keep-alive installs land here.
Tools & supplies
Kapton tapeInsulates the decoder, wires and motor tabs from the frame.Soldering ironFine tip, temperature controlled. For hard-wired installs.Heat shrink tubingCovers every soldered joint.Decoder testerTest the decoder before and after it goes in.Speaker & enclosureSound decoders need a speaker in a sealed enclosure.Keep Alive®Smooth running over dirty track and turnouts.
1
Test on the programming track first. It limits current, so a wiring mistake won't cook a new decoder. Read back CV1 before you run on the main.
2
Isolate the motor. On hard-wired installs, neither motor brush may touch the frame. Check with a multimeter.
3
Seal the speaker. A speaker sounds best in a sealed enclosure, and keep glue off the cone.
4
Mind the wires. Route them away from gears and flywheels before the shell goes back on.
Iron Planet Hobbies install & repair service
Rather we install it? We've got you.
We install and program sound and non-sound DCC decoders: the decoder you buy from us or the one you already have. Every locomotive is test-run before it goes back to you. Ship it to us or drop it off at our Rogersville store.
Local? Drop it off. Bring your locomotive to our store at 106 E. Center St, Rogersville, MO 65742 (Mon–Fri 10–6 CST). Directions
All decoder installation guides by scale and manufacturer
Every step-by-step photo guide on this page. Click a locomotive to open its guide.
Z Scale decoder installations 7 guides · 2 manufacturers
N Scale decoder installations 144 guides · 19 manufacturers
Arnold N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 2265 Mallet | M1 | 13 |
| BR Class 75 | M1 | 14 |
Athearn N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| EMD F45 | K1D4 | 5 |
| EMD FP45 | K1D4 | 8 |
| SD75 | AMD4 | 2 |
| SD75I | K1D4-NC | 10 |
Atlas N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 8-40CW | AMD4 | 15 |
| B23-7 | AMD4 | 5 |
| B30-7 | AMD4 | 5 |
| C-630 | AMD4, KA2 | 9 |
| C420 | AMD4 | 7 |
| C628 | AMD4, C628 | 5 |
| Classic RSD 4/5 | CN | 5 |
| Cupola Caboose with FL4 and Keep Alive® | FL4, KA2 | 0 |
| Dash 8-40B | AMD4 | 7 |
| Dash 8-40C | AMD4 | 7 |
| GP15 | ASD4 | 4 |
| GP30 Ph.1 (2006 edition) | ASD4 | 4 |
| GP38 | AMD4 | 4 |
| GP38-2 | AMD4 | 5 |
| GP40 | AMD4 | 3 |
| GP7 | CN-GP | 2 |
| GP7 Ph.1 (2006 edition) | ASD4 | 10 |
| GP9 | ASD4 | 2 |
| GP9 | CN-GP | 2 |
| GP9TT (1997 edition) | ASD4 | 10 |
| MP15 (2005) | MP-15N | 5 |
| MP15DC (2017) | MP-15N | 7 |
| RS-11 | AMD4 | 2 |
| RS11 (1986 - 2005 Version) | CN-GP | 4 |
| RS3 | CN | 3 |
| SD24 (2003 edition) | AMD4 | 10 |
| SD26 (2003 edition) | AMD4 | 8 |
| SD35 | AMD4 | 7 |
| SD50 | ALD4 | 7 |
| SD60 | ALD4 | 5 |
| SD60-M | ALD4 | 5 |
| SD7/9 | MC2 | 9 |
| SD9 | AMD4 | 3 |
| U30C | CN | 3 |
| VO1000 | VO-1000 | 12 |
Bachmann N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 2-8-0 | M1 | 10 |
| 4-8-2 Light Mountain | M1 | 2 |
| Bachfar 08 | M1 | 3 |
| EMD DD40AX | M4 | 13 |
| EMD GP40 | EUN651 | 7 |
| Grafar Class 94 | M1 | 14 |
| Graham Farish Class 66 Diesel | M1 | 4 |
| MDT | M1 | 2 |
| Plus F7B | M1 | 9 |
| Spectrum 4-8-4 Class J | M1 | 9 |
| Spectrum SD45 | M1 | 4 |
Broadway Limited N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| EMD E8A | M1P-1" | 7 |
Con-Cor N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Aerotrain | M1P-15 | 6 |
| ALCO PA-1 | Z2P-VO | 5 |
Dapol N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Class 66 Diesel | EUN651 | 3 |
ER Models N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Baldwin RF16 Sharknose A/B Set | IMFTA4, IMFTB4 | 5 |
Fleischmann N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 732302 Electric Locomotive Class 481 | EUN651P-30 | 7 |
| 7324 Electric Locomotive Class 146 | EUN651P-30 | 7 |
| 739404 Electric Locomotive Class 1020 | EUN651P-18 | 6 |
| 87337 Electric Locomotive Class 110 | EUN651P-18 | 9 |
Fox Valley Models N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| GE ES44AC | EUN651 | 8 |
| GE ES44G1 | EUN651 | 5 |
| Hiawatha Class 4-4-2 | MC2P-SH, Z2P-1 | 10 |
InterMountain N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| AC-12 4-8-8-2 | DP2X | 4 |
| F3A & F3B F7A & F7B F9A & F9B | IMF4-NF | 16 |
| F7A & F7B | IMF4 | 11 |
| FP7 | IMFP4 | 4 |
| FP7 | IMFP4-NF | 5 |
| FP9A | IMFP4 | 5 |
| FT-A | IMFTA4 | 14 |
| FT-B | IMFTB4 | 10 |
| SD40-2W | IMD4-W | 6 |
| SD40T-2 Snoot Nose | IMD4 | 11 |
| SD45T-2 | IMD4 | 11 |
Kato N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6-2 Pacific Kitbash (sound) | WOW101-Steam | 4 |
| ACS-64 | K7D4 | 9 |
| ALC-42 Siemens Charger | K7D4 | 8 |
| ALCO PA-1 | K0D8-E | 17 |
| ALCO PB-1 | K0D8-D | 14 |
| ALCO RS2 | K2D4 | 7 |
| E4 Series Max "Shinkansen" | M1 | 8 |
| EMD E5 | K0D8-E | 9 |
| EMD E7 | K0D8-G | 10 |
| EMD E8/9A | K0D8-E | 16 |
| EMD E9B | K0D8-D | 14 |
| EMD F3A | K0D8-B | 19 |
| EMD F3B | K0D8-D | 17 |
| EMD F40PH (Amtrak) | K0D8-C | 20 |
| EMD F40PH Metra | K5D7 | 5 |
| EMD F40PH Operation North Pole | K5D7 | 13 |
| EMD F7A | K0D8-B | 18 |
| EMD F7B | K0D8-D | 17 |
| EMD FP7 | K0D8-F | 8 |
| EMD NW2 | K3D3 | 8 |
| EMD SD90/43MAC | K2D4 | 5 |
| EMD SD40 (2002) | K1D4 | 4 |
| EMD SD40 (pre-2002) | CN-GP | 9 |
| EMD SD40 - Rotary Beacon Add-on | CN-GP | 3 |
| EMD SD40-2 (Early) | K1D4 | 5 |
| EMD SD45 | K1D4 | 4 |
| EMD SD70 / SD70ACe | K1D4-NC | 16 |
| EMD SD70M | K1D4-NC | 11 |
| EMD SD70MAC | K1D4 | 4 |
| EMD SD80MAC | K2D4 | 6 |
| EMD SDP40F | K7D4 | 11 |
| F3A/F3B | M1 | 10 |
| FEF 4-8-4 (sound) | WOW101-KA-Steam | 26 |
| FEF 4-8-4 | K6D4 | 14 |
| GE 44 Tonner | M1 | 7 |
| GE AC4400 | K1D4 | 4 |
| GE C30-7 (DCC-Ready Version) | K1D4 | 7 |
| GE C44-9W | K1D4 | 7 |
| GE ES44AC "Gevo" | K1D4 | 4 |
| GE P42 "Genesis" (All phases) | K0D8-A | 15 |
| Ge4/4 II, III "Glacier Express" | K7D4 | 4 |
| GG1 | K1D4-NC | 8 |
| MP36PH | K4D6 | 7 |
| RDC | MC4 | 21 |
| USRA Heavy Mikado | Z2 | 40 |
Micro Ace N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Keisei AE100 Skyliner Part 1 | Z2 | 9 |
| Keisei AE100 Skyliner Part 2 | M1 | 12 |
Micro-Trains N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Line SW1500 | MT1500 | 9 |
MiniTrix N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | M1, EUN651 | 7 |
| FM Switcher | Z2 | 5 |
Model Power N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific / Mikado with Vanderbilt Tender | MC2 | 7 |
Rivarossi N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Big Boy | M1 | 20 |
Tomix N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas The Tank Engine | M1 | 11 |
Walthers / Life-Like Proto N Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| GP18 (Old Version) | CN | 7 |
| GP20 | L1D4 | 4 |
| GP60 | CN-GP | 2 |
| GP60 | L1D4 | 4 |
| RS2 | K2D4 | 4 |
| SD7 | M1 | 7 |
| C-Liner | M1 | 13 |
| E8-A | Z2 | 16 |
| F40PH | Z2 | 12 |
| GP18 | CN-GP | 4 |
| 0-8-0 | Z2P-VO | 5 |
| EMD SW9 / SW1200 | MT1500 | 16 |
| LL Proto N GP18 | K2D4 | 10 |
| N GP20 | L1D4 | 6 |
| N GP38-2 | L1D4 | 6 |
| RS2 | K2D4 | 5 |
TT Scale decoder installations 4 guides · 2 manufacturers
BTTB TT Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| E499 | T1-LED | 2 |
Tillig TT Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Tilling BR110 | M1 | 4 |
| Tilling SM26 | MC2 | 8 |
| Tilling V300 | M1 | 2 |
HO Scale decoder installations 532 guides · 40 manufacturers
Alco Models HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| GP30 | T1-LED | 6 |
Athearn HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| AC4400 | DP2X | 8 |
| AMD-103 | T1-LED | 10 |
| Blue Box / RTR ALCO PA 1 (sound) | AS-MB2, UNIV-SH4-C, KA3 | 11 |
| Blue Box / RTR EMD F59PHI (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| Blue Box / RTR GP38-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 12 |
| Blue Box EMD GP35 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 25 |
| Blue Box F7A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 18 |
| C44-9 Dash 9 | T1-LED | 10 |
| DD40 | T4X | 4 |
| EMD GP35 RTR | T1-LED | 3 |
| EMD MP15AC (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, VR1.5 Voltage Regulator | 25 |
| EMD MP15AC Version 2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, VR1.5 Voltage Regulator | 12 |
| F59PHI | A4X | 2 |
| F59PHI DCC Ready | T4X | 7 |
| Gas Turbine (sound) | AK-MB1 | 8 |
| GE Dash 9-44CW | T4X | 2 |
| GE P42 Genesis | T1-LED | 5 |
| GE P42 Genesis Not DCC Ready | T1-LED | 7 |
| Genesis 4-8-2 Mountain MT4 | T1-LED | 7 |
| Genesis AC4400 | T1-LED | 7 |
| Genesis Challenger 4-6-6-4 (N Scale) (sound) | WOW101-Steam, WAUX-KA2 | 20 |
| Genesis EMD F2A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 7 |
| Genesis EMD F3A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 6 |
| Genesis EMD F3B (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 5 |
| Genesis EMD F7A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 13 |
| Genesis EMD GP38-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, GEN-SH1 | 7 |
| Genesis EMD GP50 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, GEN-SH1 | 10 |
| Genesis EMD GP7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, GEN-SH2 | 9 |
| Genesis EMD GP7U (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, GEN-SH2 | 3 |
| Genesis EMD GP9 Phase II (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, GEN-SH2 | 9 |
| Genesis EMD SD60M (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, 28mm Round | 9 |
| Genesis EMD SD70ACe (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, 28mm Round | 8 |
| Genesis EMD SD70M (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 9 |
| Genesis EMD SD70M Version 2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| Genesis EMD SD70M-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, 28mm Round | 3 |
| Genesis EMD SD70MAC (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 5 |
| Genesis EMD SD75I (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, 28mm Round | 10 |
| Genesis EMD SD75M (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| Genesis EMD SDP45 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, 28mm Round | 17 |
| Genesis ES44AC GEVO (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, 28mm Round | 10 |
| Genesis F2A Freight | A6X | 4 |
| Genesis F3A | A6X, A4X | 1 |
| Genesis F45 | T1-LED | 9 |
| Genesis F7A Freight | DP5 | 10 |
| Genesis F9A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH2-C, Motherboard Motor Mount | 11 |
| Genesis FP45 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| Genesis FP7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, 28mm Round | 10 |
| Genesis GP15-1 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| Genesis GP40-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, GEN-SH1 | 8 |
| Genesis SD45 | T1-LED | 7 |
| Genesis SD45-2 | T1-LED | 8 |
| Genesis SD60 | T1-LED | 6 |
| Genesis SD60I | T1-LED | 8 |
| Genesis SD60M | T1-LED | 9 |
| Genesis SD70 | A6X | 8 |
| Genesis SD70M | A6X | 10 |
| Genesis SD70MAC | T4X | 6 |
| GP30 | T1-LED | 6 |
| GP35 DCC Ready | T1-LED | 6 |
| GP38-2 | MC2 | 14 |
| GP40-2 | MC2 | 14 |
| GP40X | T1-LED | 6 |
| GP50 | T1-LED | 6 |
| GP60 | T1-LED | 6 |
| GP7 | T1-LED | 6 |
| GTEL X-51 | T1-LED | 8 |
| MP15 | DP2X | 3 |
| NW2 | MC2 | 2 |
| PA-1 | T1-LED | 6 |
| Roundhouse - EMD Model 40 | KAM4-LED | 33 |
| RS-3-L (sound) | WOW101-Diesel, UNIV-SH4-C, WAUX-KA4 | 18 |
| RTR AC4400 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 8 |
| RTR EMD CF7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 9 |
| RTR EMD GP35 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| RTR EMD GP60 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 23 |
| RTR EMD GP60M (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| RTR EMD SD40 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, GEN-SH1 | 9 |
| RTR EMD SD40-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, GEN-SH2 | 9 |
| RTR EMD SD45 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, GEN-SH1 | 6 |
| RTR EMD SD50 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 12 |
| RTR EMD SD60 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 11 |
| RTR GE AMD103 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 14 |
| RTR GE DASH 9-44CW (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| RTR GP40X (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, GEN-SH1 | 10 |
| RTR P42 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH2-C | 8 |
| RTR SD40T-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 12 |
| SD9 | T1-LED | 6 |
| SD40 | T1-LED | 4 |
| SD40-2 | T1-LED | 7 |
| SD40T-2 | T1-LED | 7 |
| SD45 | MC2 | 9 |
| SD45T-2 | T1-LED | 2 |
| SD50 | T1-LED | 6 |
| SD70ACe | T4X | 11 |
| SD70M | A6X | 2 |
| SD70MAC | T4X | 4 |
| SD75I | A6X | 2 |
| SD75M | A6X | 2 |
| SW1500 | M1 | 2 |
| SW1500 DCC Ready | DP2X | 6 |
| U28B | T1-LED | 7 |
Atlas HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| AEM7 | DP2X | 11 |
| ALCO C420 Low Nose (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 4 |
| ALCO C424-5 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, ATL-SH1 | 11 |
| Alco HH660 | MC2P-MH | 4 |
| ALCO RS-1 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 12 |
| ALCO RS-1 | A4X | 8 |
| ALCO RS-11 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 10 |
| ALCO RS-11 | A4X | 3 |
| ALCO RS-3 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, ATL-SH1 | 8 |
| ALCO RS-3 | A4X | 3 |
| Also C420 | DP5 | 9 |
| Also C424 | A4X | 9 |
| B23-7 | T1-LED + T-3.5" harness | 1 |
| C30-7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 13 |
| C30-7 | MC2P-SH | 6 |
| C420 High Nose Phase 1 Version 2 (sound) | AS-MB2, KA4 | 14 |
| C420 Phase 1 High Nose (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 10 |
| C425 | DP2X | 5 |
| C425 Phase 2 | DP2X | 6 |
| EMD GP38-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 8 |
| EMD GP39-2 Ph. 1 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 7 |
| EMD GP39-2 Ph. 2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 9 |
| EMD GP40 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 9 |
| EMD GP7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 13 |
| EMD MP15DC (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 11 |
| EMD SD24 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 13 |
| EMD SD26 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2, KA4 | 17 |
| EMD SD35 Low Nose (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 9 |
| FP7 | A6X | 7 |
| FP7 | T1-LED | 8 |
| GE DASH 8-32BW (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 8 |
| GE DASH 8-40B (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 7 |
| GE Silver B23-7 | DP5 | 9 |
| GE U23B (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 12 |
| GP38 | T1-LED | 10 |
| GP38 | A6X | 6 |
| GP40 | DP2X | 4 |
| GP7 | A4X | 7 |
| GP7 | T1-LED + T-1" harness | 5 |
| HH600 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 12 |
| Master H-12-44 / H-16-44 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 17 |
| MP15 | M1P-15 | 2 |
| NRE Genset | DP2X, DP5 | 8 |
| RSD 4/5 Switcher | A4X | 3 |
| S-1 | AS6 | 5 |
| S-2 | AS6 | 5 |
| S-4 | AS6 | 5 |
| Silver Dash 8-32BHW | DP2X | 10 |
| Silver Dash 8-40C / 8-40CW | T1-LED + T-3.5" harness | 9 |
| Silver EMD GP40 / GP40-2 (All Phases) (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2, 30mm Round, KA4, 30mm Speaker Plug | 8 |
| Silver GE B23-7 High Nose | MC2P-SH | 9 |
| Silver GE DASH 8-40CW (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2, 32mm Round, KA4 | 10 |
| Silver GP40 Low Nose | DP5 | 5 |
| Silver GP40-2 Phase 1 | MC2P-SH | 7 |
| Silver MP15DC | MC2P-MH | 7 |
| Silver Series SD24 | T1-LED + T-1" harness | 2 |
| Track Cleaning Car | DP2X, DP2X-UK | 9 |
| Track Cleaning Car | KAM4P-MH | 6 |
| Train Master H-24-66 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2, 32mm Round, KA4 | 9 |
| Train Master Ph 1b (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2, 32mm Round, KA4 | 9 |
| Train Master Silver Series | T1-LED + T-1" harness | 1 |
| Trainman ALCO RS-32 | DP2X, MC2P-SH | 12 |
| Trainman GP38-2 | T1-LED + T-1" harness | 5 |
| Trainman GP39-2 Ph1 with Keep Alive® | See guide | 6 |
| Trainman NRE Genset (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 12 |
| Trainman NRE Genset II (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, 35mm x 16mm Oval, KA4, Motherboard Motor Mount | 13 |
| Trainman NRE Genset II Version 2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 11 |
| Trainman RS-32 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 14 |
| Trainman U30B Low Nose (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB2, INT-SH1, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 11 |
| Trainmman GP39-2 Ph1 | DP5 | 7 |
| U23B (sound) | WOW501-Diesel | 16 |
| U23B (2006 Relase) | T1-LED + T-1" harness, MC2P-SH, A4X | 3 |
| U33C / U36C | T1-LED + T-1" harness | 3 |
AusTrains HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Class 80 | T1-LED | 23 |
| Australian NR Class Cv40-9i (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 9 |
Bachmann HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6-0 Saddle Tank | M1 | 7 |
| 2-8-2 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB3, UNIV-SH3-C | 9 |
| 2-8-4 Berkshire Steam (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB4, UNIV-SH2-C | 12 |
| 2-8-8-4 EM1 Steam (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB3, UNIV-SH2-C | 10 |
| 80 Ton Three Truck Shay (sound) | UNIV-SH4-C, KA3 | 13 |
| 9F 2-8-0 | M1P-3.5"UK | 2 |
| A1 Steam Locomotive Tornado | DP2X-UK | 7 |
| ALCO 2-6-0 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, AS-MB2, KA3 | 11 |
| Baldwin RF-16 Sharknose | M1 | 15 |
| Boxcar (sound) | WOW101-KA-Diesel, KA3 | 9 |
| Class "B" Two Truck Climax Locomotive | MC2P-SH | 4 |
| Consolidation 2-8-0 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB1, UNIV-SH2-C | 13 |
| Consolidation 2-8-0 Version 2 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB2, UNIV-SH2-C | 18 |
| Consolidation 2-8-0 Version 2 with High Bass Speaker (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB2, UNIV-SH2-C | 18 |
| Consolidation 2-8-0 with Vanderbilt Tender (sound) | WOW121-Steam, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 20 |
| Doodlebug | DP2X | 3 |
| Duck (Thomas Line) | T1-LED | 2 |
| EMD DD40AX | T1-LED + T-1" harness | 15 |
| EMD F9 | T1-LED | 22 |
| EMD FT-B | T1-LED | 21 |
| EMD GP30 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1-NC, UNIV-SH1-C | 14 |
| EMD GP38-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 12 |
| EMD GP40 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1 | 12 |
| EMD SD45 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, GEN-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C, Motherboard Motor Mount | 10 |
| EMD SD45 Early Frame (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA3 | 13 |
| English Electric Deltic | See guide | 4 |
| F7A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, 28mm Round, Motherboard Motor Mount | 12 |
| FA2 (sound) | Coming Soon | 11 |
| FP7-8 Unit | T1-LED | 4 |
| GE 70 Tonner (Early Frame) (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, KA4 | 22 |
| GE Dash 8-40C | T1-LED + T-3.5"-UK harness | 4 |
| GE44 Ton Switcher | MC2 | 3 |
| GP35 | M1 | 27 |
| GP50 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1 | 9 |
| Great Western Railway Pannier Tank | MC2 + MC-3.5"-UK harness | 3 |
| Heavy 4-8-2 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB2, UNIV-SH2-C | 7 |
| Henry and Gordon (Thomas Line) | M1 | 24 |
| J Class 4-8-4 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB3, UNIV-SH2-C | 11 |
| James | T1-LED | 3 |
| Light 4-8-2 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB1, UNIV-SH2-C | 13 |
| Niagra 4-8-4 | MC2 | 13 |
| On30 14 Ton Two Truck Stearns Heisler (sound) | WOW121-Steam, KA1 | 11 |
| On30 2 Truck Shay (sound) | WOW101-KA-Steam, KA3 | 14 |
| Richmond 4-4-0 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB4, UNIV-SH3-C | 11 |
| RS-3 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 13 |
| SD40-2 (sound) | See guide | 16 |
| Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod | KAM4P-MH, DP2X | 8 |
| Spectrum 80 Ton Three Truck Shay | DP2X-UK | 9 |
| Spectrum Acela HHP-8 | MC2 + MC-3.5"-UK harness | 7 |
| Spectrum Baldwin 2-8-0 | DP2X-UK | 9 |
| Spectrum Baldwin Ten Wheeler 4-6-0 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB8, 20mm Round | 11 |
| Spectrum Dash 8-40CW | MC2 | 7 |
| Spectrum E33 | M1P-1" | 1 |
| Spectrum GE70 | MC2 | 14 |
| Spectrum K4 4-6-2 Steam (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB7, 28mm Round | 11 |
| Spectrum K4 Pacific 4-6-2 | M1 | 7 |
| Spectrum K4 Post War 4-6-2 | DP2X | 6 |
| Spectrum Modern American ALCO Richmond | DP2X-UK | 9 |
| Spectrum SD45 | T1-LED + T-3.5"-UK harness | 1 |
| Spectrum Thomas The Tank Limited 2002 | MC2 | 22 |
| Spectrum USRA Heavy Mountain 4-8-2 Steam Locomotive | DP5 | 16 |
| Spectrum USRA Light 2-10-2 | T1-LED + T-1" harness, DP2X | 10 |
| Spectrum USRA Light 4-8-2 Mountain Locomotive | DP5 | 9 |
| Speeder | Z2 | 10 |
Bowser / Stewart HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| C-636 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, INT-SH1, KA4, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 13 |
| C630M (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB2, INT-SH1, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 14 |
| Executive Line Bowser F7A | DP2X | 4 |
| Executive Line U25B | DP2X | 6 |
| FT A unit (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 8 |
| RS-12 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-SH1, KA4, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 10 |
| S-12 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1, IB-SH1, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 7 |
| SD40-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel | 6 |
| SD40-2 | EU821 | 5 |
| ALCO 628 | DP2X | 2 |
| ALCO C628 Version 1 (sound) | WOW101-Diesel, MC-C628, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 14 |
| ALCO C628 Version 2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 12 |
| Baldwin AS-16 (sound) | AK-MB1 | 12 |
| Baldwin AS-16 | DP2X | 6 |
| Baldwin DRS 4-4-1000 RS-12 | A4X | 6 |
| Baldwin S-12 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH5-C | 8 |
| DS 4-4-1000 | DP2X | 2 |
| Early Locomotive | T1-LED | 6 |
| F3A (All Phases) | T1-LED | 10 |
| F7A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 13 |
| F7A Early Phase I | MC2 + MC-3.5"-UK harness | 9 |
| FTB Unit (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 7 |
| U25B (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 10 |
| VO-1000 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1-NC, UNIV-SH1-C | 13 |
| VO-660 Phase 2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 11 |
Brass Models HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| ALCO RS-18 | T1-LED | 5 |
Broadway Limited HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 4-8-4 NYC S-1B Steam (sound) | AS-MB2-NC, KA4 | 12 |
| EMD SW7 Phase 2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 8 |
| 2-10-4 J-1 / T-1 Steam (sound) | Coming Soon | 19 |
| 2-8-0 Consolidation (Light Tender) (sound) | B-MB1 | 22 |
| Blue Line ATSF 4-8-4 | DP2X | 4 |
| Blue Line C&O T1 2-10-4 | T1-LED + T-1" harness | 2 |
| Blue Line EMD SD7 | DP2X, MC2P-SH | 4 |
| Blue Line EMD SD9 | DP2X, MC2P-SH | 5 |
| Blue Line GE AC6000 | MC2P-SH | 2 |
| Blue Line GE C30-7 | DP2X, MC2P-MH | 4 |
| Blue Line PRR M1A 4-8-2 | T1-LED + T-1" harness | 3 |
| Blue Line RSD15 | MC2P-SH | 2 |
| Blue Line SD40-2 | M1P-1" | 1 |
| Blue Line USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 | MC2P-SH, DP2X | 8 |
| E3 / E6 High Bass Version (sound) | AK-MB1, UNIV-SH3-C | 15 |
| EMD SD40-2 (sound) | AK-MB1 | 13 |
| Paragon Series S1B Niagara 4-8-4 (sound) | WOW101-Steam | 10 |
| J1 2-10-4 Steam (sound) | B-MB4 | 13 |
| Paragon 2 E7B (sound) | WOW101-Diesel | 10 |
| Paragon 2 EMD SD40-2 with High Hood | DP5 | 6 |
| RSD-15 (sound) | IB-MB2 | 7 |
Con-Cor HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington Zephry | DP2X | 5 |
| Electroliner | M4P-1" | 7 |
| Galloping Goose | T4X | 4 |
| Pre War Powered Combine Car | DP5, KAM4P-LH | 8 |
Fleischmann HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 4171 BR03 Steam | T1-LED | 3 |
| 4228 BR 211 | T1-LED, EUN651 | 1 |
| 4375 BR103 | T1-LED | 6 |
| 4430 BR614 | T1-LED | 5 |
| HO BR 218 | MC4 | 9 |
GSB HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| SD40-2W | T1-LED | 6 |
Heljan HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Class 47 | T1-LED + T-3.5"-UK harness | 3 |
| Class 52 | DP2X | 3 |
Hobbytown HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Trainmaster | T1-LED | 8 |
| E8A | T1-LED | 5 |
| F7A | T1-LED | 5 |
| FA2 | T4X | 6 |
| GP7 | T1-LED | 6 |
| RS3 | T1-LED | 6 |
| SD45 | T1-LED | 4 |
Hornby HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4-0 Pug | M1 | 4 |
| 0-4-0 Tank | M1 | 4 |
| 2-6-4 Stanier 4MT Class 4P | DP2X-UK | 2 |
| 9F 2-10-0 Steam | MC4 | 2 |
| 9F 2-10-0 Tank | T1-LED | 3 |
| 9F 2-10-0 Tank | DP2X-UK | 3 |
| Battle Of Britain | M1 | 0 |
| British Railways Class 73 Electro Diesel | MC4 | 4 |
| Class 06 Shunter | T1-LED | 5 |
| Class 47 | T4X | 5 |
| Deans Good 0-6-0 | M1 | 2 |
| Great Western Railway King Class | DP2X, DP2X-UK | 3 |
| GWR Diesel Railcar | DP2X | 3 |
| GWR Prairie 61xx Class 2-6-2 | T1-LED | 4 |
| J52 0-6-0 | M1 | 3 |
| Sir Dinidad 4-6-0 | T1-LED | 5 |
IHC HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 2-6-0 Mogul (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB2, UNIV-SH2-C | 13 |
| 2-8-0 Consolidation (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB4, UNIV-SH2-C | 13 |
| 2-8-2 | KAM4 | 11 |
| Mogul | T1-LED | 3 |
| Premier Gold Series 2-10-2 | DP2X | 10 |
InterMountain HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| A/B FT (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB2, INT-SH2, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 7 |
| ES44ac (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1, 28mm Round, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 11 |
| ES44DC (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB2, INT-SH2, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 8 |
| F Units | DP2X | 3 |
| FP7 | T1-LED + T-3.5" harness | 2 |
| GE U18B Baby U-Boat | T1-LED + T-3.5" harness | 7 |
| SD40-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB2, INT-SH1, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 7 |
| SD40-2W (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB2, INT-SH1, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 11 |
| U18B (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB2, INT-SH1, 2-Pin JST Speaker Connector | 11 |
Kato HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| AC4400CW (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 18 |
| ALCO RS2 | DP2X, DP5 | 8 |
| ALCO RSC-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 14 |
| EMD FP40PH (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, 28mm Round | 13 |
| EMD GP35 Phase 1A / 1B / 1C | A4X | 6 |
| EMD SD40-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 16 |
| EMD SD40-2 | DP2X, MC2P-MH | 7 |
| EMD SD40-2 Mid | DP5 | 8 |
| EMD SD40-2 Mid with Snoot Nose | T1-LED + T-3.5" harness, DP2X | 6 |
| EMD SD45 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 17 |
| EMD SD45 | DP2X | 5 |
| EMD SD70MAC Cab Headlight | DP2X, DP5 | 7 |
| EMD SD80MAC (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 14 |
| EMD SD80MAC | DP5 | 6 |
| EMD SD90-43MAC (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 16 |
| EMD SD90/43MAC | DP2X, DP5 | 6 |
| GE AC4400CW | DP2X, DP5 | 8 |
| GE C44-9W (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 15 |
| GE C44-9W "Dash 9" | DP5, MC2P-SH | 7 |
| GP35 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 13 |
| Japanese EF65 Electric | DP2X | 1 |
| NW2 | M1 | 26 |
| RS-1 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 8 |
| RS-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA4 | 10 |
| RS-2 Version 2 (sound) | WOW101-KA-Diesel, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 10 |
| SD40 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 9 |
| SD40 | DP2X | 2 |
| SD40-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 13 |
| SD70MAC (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 2 |
Korea Brass HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| U25C (sound) | WOW101-KA-Diesel | 7 |
Lima HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| BB9200 | T4X | 4 |
| Class 09 | T1-LED | 5 |
| Class 422 | T1-LED | 17 |
| Class 47 | T4X | 3 |
| Class 52 | T1-LED | 3 |
| Class 59 | T1-LED | 4 |
Mantua HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6-0 Goat | T1-LED | 3 |
| 2-6-6-2 T Articulated Logger | T1-LED | 4 |
| 4-6-2 Pacific with Vandy Tender | T1-LED | 8 |
MDC Roundhouse HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| EMD Model 40 Critter | DP2X-UK | 4 |
Mehano HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 2-10-2 | T1-LED | 6 |
| Thalys T675 | T1-LED, DP2X-UK | 7 |
Model Power HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| E8A | T1-LED | 7 |
| EMD SW1 | M1 | 3 |
| FA-2 | T1-LED | 6 |
| RS11 | M1 | 3 |
| Sharknose | T1-LED | 7 |
MTH HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6-4 Hudson Steam (sound) | Coming Soon | 23 |
| 4-6-6-4 Challenger (sound) | AS-MB2-NC, KA3 | 18 |
| 4-8-2 L-3C Steam (sound) | AS-MB2 | 19 |
| SD70ACE | T6XP-LH | 7 |
| SD70ACe | T6XP-LH | 13 |
Märklin HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Marklin 3003 | T1-LED | 11 |
Northwest Shortline HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| ALCO 2-8-2T Minarets | M1 | 7 |
Oriental Models HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| NW2 | M1 | 3 |
Overland Models HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Overland GP40 | T1-LED | 1 |
| Overland HH660 | A6X | 3 |
| Overland OMI SD24 | T1-LED | 3 |
| Overland SD40-2 | T4X | 3 |
| Overland True Line Trains Gold Series CPA24-5 | T1-LED | 3 |
Piko HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| BR89 | MC2 | 6 |
Precision Craft Models HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| EMD F3A Consist | DP5 | 10 |
Red Ball HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Trainmaster | T1-LED | 6 |
Rivarossi HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6-0 Saddle Tank | MC2 | 4 |
| 0-8-0 | T1-LED | 7 |
| 2 Truck Heisler | M1P-1" | 20 |
| 2-6-6-6 Allegheny (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB2, UNIV-SH2-C | 24 |
| 2-6-6-6 Allegheny | DP5 | 15 |
| 3 Truck Heisler | M1P-1" | 19 |
| 4-6-4 (sound) | B-MB2 | 20 |
| 4-6-6-4 Challenger | T1-LED | 7 |
| ALCO C-420 | MC2 | 10 |
| Blue Goose 4-6-4 Hudson (sound) | B-MB2 | 19 |
| E8 | M1 | 9 |
Roco HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 4154 BR290 | M4 | 3 |
| BR 112 | M1 | 3 |
| BR 295 | M1P-1" | 1 |
| DSB ML 6 Switcher | M1P-1" | 4 |
| Intercity Coach | FL2 | 3 |
ScaleTrains HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| EMD-SD40-2 (sound) | AK-MB1 | 12 |
| Rivet Counter GE Tier 4 GEVO (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 16 |
Tiger Valley Models HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| C424 | T1-LED | 2 |
| C424 | T1-LED | 3 |
| C630 | T1-LED | 6 |
| RSC14 | T1-LED | 7 |
Trix HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| BR 290 Epoche V | See guide | 8 |
| Tenderlokomotive T12 K.P.E.V. | See guide | 17 |
Tyco HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 521 Streamlined Lighted Passenger Coach | FL2 | 8 |
| Alco Century 430 | T1-LED | 15 |
| Alco Century 630 | T1-LED | 9 |
| F9A | T1-LED | 18 |
| Plymouth Switcher | T1-LED | 16 |
United HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Brass 2-10-2 Steam | M1 | 5 |
Walthers / Life-Like Proto HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Life Life Proto 2000 EMD F7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 10 |
| Life Life Proto 2000 EMD GP7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA4 | 13 |
| Alco FA1 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH2-C | 17 |
| E1 (sound) | AK-MB1 | 9 |
| 100 DL-109 (sound) | Coming Soon | 3 |
| 1000 Budd RDC (sound) | Coming Soon | 3 |
| 1000 DL-109 | A4X | 5 |
| 1000 F3A | MC2, LL8 | 10 |
| 1000 F3A | MC2 | 6 |
| 1000 F3B | MC2 | 6 |
| 1000 F3B DCC Ready | LL8, DP2X-UK | 9 |
| 1000 FM | T1-LED | 3 |
| 1000 RDC | T1-LED | 4 |
| 1000 RS-2 (sound) | WOW101-Diesel, UNIV-SH4-C, WAUX-KA4 | 11 |
| 1000 RS11 (sound) | Coming Soon | 3 |
| 1000 RS11 | T1-LED | 5 |
| 1000 RS2 | MC2, FL2 | 7 |
| 2-10-2 Steam (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB4, UNIV-SH2-C | 9 |
| 2-8-8-2 S1 (sound) | WOW101-KA-Steam, KA3 | 5 |
| ALCO FA-2 | MC2 | 20 |
| ALCO PA | DP2X-UK | 8 |
| BL2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA4 | 10 |
| BL2 Version 2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, RTR-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 12 |
| E6 | T1-LED | 5 |
| E7 / E8 / E9 | DP5 | 9 |
| E8 / E9 | DP5, T4X | 2 |
| E8/9 (sound) | B-MB4, UNIV-SH4-C | 5 |
| E8/9 | T1-LED | 15 |
| E8/9 Version 2 (sound) | AS-MB2, UNIV-SH4-C, KA3 | 11 |
| E8/9 Version 3 (With Mars Light) (sound) | AS-MB2, UNIV-SH4-C, KA3 | 12 |
| F3A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA3 | 7 |
| FA1 (sound) | Coming Soon | 14 |
| FA1 | DP2-LL | 7 |
| FB1 (sound) | Coming Soon | 6 |
| FB1 | DP2X-UK | 6 |
| GP18 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 15 |
| GP20 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 15 |
| GP20 - Version 1 | T1-LED | 11 |
| GP20 - Version 2 | M1 | 7 |
| GP20 High Hood | DP2X, LL8 | 13 |
| GP30 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA4 | 11 |
| GP38-2 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 4 |
| GP38-2 | M4P-3.5", LL8 | 10 |
| GP60 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 14 |
| GP7 | LL8 | 9 |
| GP9 (DCC-Ready) | LL8 | 13 |
| GP9 (Early Version) | T1-LED | 7 |
| GP9 II (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA4 | 6 |
| Heritage USRA 0-6-0 | LL8 | 11 |
| Heritage USRA 0-8-0 | LL8 | 9 |
| Heritage USRA 2-8-4 | LL8 | 11 |
| Heritage USRA 2-8-8-2 | DP2X | 6 |
| PA Locomotive (sound) | B-MB4 | 4 |
| S-1 Special Edition | M1P-3.5" | 10 |
| S1 (sound) | Coming Soon | 3 |
| S3 (sound) | Coming Soon | 3 |
| SD60 Special Edition | LL8 | 14 |
| SD7 | T1-LED + T-3.5" harness | 5 |
| SD45 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 5 |
| SD50 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 10 |
| SD50 | LL8 | 12 |
| SD60 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 2 |
| SD60 | LL8 | 6 |
| SD60M Special Edition | LL8 | 11 |
| SD7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 6 |
| SD9 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH1-C | 12 |
| SW8/9/1200 | M1 | 5 |
| 1000 F3A DCC Ready | LL8 | 11 |
| FA1 (w/out Mars Light) | DP2X-UK | 4 |
| PB Locomotive (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, IB-MB1 | 10 |
| Sperry Rail Car (sound) | WOW101-Diesel | 11 |
| E9A (sound) | Coming Soon | 2 |
| EMD F40PH (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA3 | 13 |
| EMD F7A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH4-C, KA4 | 9 |
| EMD SD45 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA4 | 14 |
| EMD SD70 ACE (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA3 | 12 |
| EMD SD9 (sound) | Coming Soon | 2 |
| EMD SW1 | T1-LED | 10 |
| Fairbanks-Morse H-10-44 | MC2 | 8 |
| GP38-2 | T4X | 2 |
| EMD E8A High Frame (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, 32mm Round, Motherboard Motor Mount | 12 |
| EMD E8A Low Frame (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, 32mm Round, Motherboard Motor Mount | 13 |
| GP7 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AS-MB2-NC, UNIV-SH1-C, KA4 | 20 |
| GP7 Version 2 (sound) | IB-MB1 | 17 |
| Proto 2000 E7A (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, 32mm Round, Motherboard Motor Mount | 7 |
| Mainline EMD SD70ACe (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, WM-MB2 | 14 |
| Mainline GE ES44AC GEVo (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, WM-MB1, 28x18mm Micro Speaker w/Enclosure | 9 |
| 1000 F3 | A4X | 2 |
| 1000 R17 Subway Car | T4X | 10 |
| 1000 R21 Subway Car | T6XP-SH, T4X, DP5 | 11 |
| 0-6-0 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, P2K-MB1, UNIV-SH3-C | 12 |
| E7A (sound) | WOW101-KA-Diesel | 13 |
| Heritage 0-8-0 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, P2K-MB1, UNIV-SH3-C | 17 |
| Heritage 0-8-0 Version 2 (sound) | WOW121-Steam, B-MB2, UNIV-SH2-C | 11 |
| RS27 Limited Edition | LL8 | 12 |
| SW9/1200 | M1 | 10 |
| EMD GP60 (sound) | WOW101-Diesel, WAUX-KA4 | 10 |
| Trainline EMD F40 PH | T4X | 8 |
| Trainline GE Dash 8-40BW | T1-LED | 11 |
| Trainline GP9 (sound) | WOW121-Diesel, AK-MB1, UNIV-SH4-C | 11 |
| Trainline GP9M | T1-LED | 6 |
Wrenn HO Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Duchess Class LMS | T1-LED | 3 |
O Scale decoder installations 1 guides · 1 manufacturers
Bachmann O Scale
| Locomotive | Decoder & parts used | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| ON30 Mogul | MC2 | 4 |
Decoder installation FAQ
How hard is it to install a DCC decoder?
It depends on the locomotive. Models with an 8-pin, 21-pin, Next18, PluX or E24 socket are plug-and-play: take the shell off, pull the blank plug and plug the decoder in. Drop-in boards replace the original light board and take a little more care. Older or non-DCC-ready models need a hard-wired install with soldering. Find your model in the guides above to see exactly what is involved.
Do I need to solder to install a decoder?
Not for plug-and-play sockets or most drop-in boards. Hard-wired installs, keep-alives, LED upgrades and many sound installs do need soldering. Guides that need it are marked "Soldering".
What tools do I need?
Small screwdrivers, tweezers and a hobby knife for every install. Add Kapton tape to insulate parts, and for hard-wired installs a fine-tip soldering iron, thin solder and heat shrink tubing. A multimeter and a programming track or decoder tester let you check the work before you close the shell.
How do I test a decoder after installing it?
Put the locomotive on your programming track first and read back its address (CV1) before running it on the main line. The programming track limits current, so a wiring mistake is less likely to damage a new decoder. Then test speed, direction, lights and sound.
What is a Keep Alive® and do I need one?
A Keep Alive (also called a stay-alive) is a small capacitor pack that powers the decoder for a moment when the wheels lose contact on dirty track or turnouts. It is optional, but it makes slow running smoother and stops sound decoders from cutting out. Many TCS guides on this page include one.
Can Iron Planet Hobbies install my decoder?
Yes. Installs are $45 per hour of labor (15-minute increments, 30-minute minimum) and estimates are free. Send us a request from our Model Train Repair Service page with your locomotive and the decoder you want, or the one you already have, and we will reply with an estimate and next steps. Ship your locomotive to us or drop it off at our store in Rogersville, Missouri. We install sound and non-sound decoders, set the address, and test-run the locomotive before it goes back to you.
Which decoder fits my locomotive?
Use our free DCC Decoder Selector. It lists the Digitrax, SoundTraxx, TCS, ESU and NCE decoders that fit more than 1,500 locomotives, with price and stock.
Where do these installation guides come from?
The step-by-step photo guides are published by Train Control Systems (TCS). We show them here with the parts they use matched to our store, and link each one to the original guide. The videos are from the decoder makers' own YouTube channels.
Step-by-step installation guides and photos: Train Control Systems (TCS), shown with links to each original guide. Videos: SoundTraxx and TCS YouTube channels. Product names belong to their manufacturers. Prices and stock checked October 29, 2026. Locomotive production runs change, so check your model before you start.