DCC Shop - HO scale Athearn Genesis EMD SD70ACe Locomotive - DCC, Sound, and Lighting Install
In this new series, Dan is focusing on DCC installations. Unlike the Model Building series, which usually involves a lot of work on both the outside and inside of a model, this series is about adding, replacing and/or upgrading the electronics inside a model.
For this episode, Dan chose an HO scale Athearn Genesis SD70ACe model decorated for BNSF. Like a lot of modern models, this one doesn’t need a lot of detailing or paint work. It’s basically accurate right out of the box. It also runs really well.
Though Athearn offers these models with DCC and sound pre-installed, Dan opted for the DCC ready version. Athearn was one of the last major model train companies to switch from bulbs to LEDs, and though it’s only a few years old, this engine is old enough to have bulbs.
The goal for this engine is to install an ESU LokSound 5 DCC and sound decoder, speaker, and to replace the lights with LEDs.
Dan goes through the entire DCC installation process, showing how to take the model apart, remove the old electronics, install the speaker and decoder, and install new lights.
Though not originally equipped with them, Dan also adds ground lights to the engine.
Dan discusses downloading an appropriate sound set from the LokSound website, installing it in the decoder, and doing some rudimentary programming using the ESU LokProgrammer software.
He also has tips for reassembly, and how to keep the wiring neat so that the shell goes back on properly and no loose wires interfere with the operation of the locomotive.
Some of you have been asking for DCC install videos, and we listened!
Dan has a lot more model trains like this one that need DCC, so there is plenty of material for more episodes!
Join us for some DCC model railroading fun!
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