Model Railway Forum

I'm looking at starting my N-gauge with a DCC set, ERA 5. I've spotted "The Steel Worker" train set online. It says DCC ready but no socket. What does this mean and how easy is it to convert this 08 shunter?

It means you will have to hard wire a decoder before you can use on a DCC layout, Brian will add a link to a wiring diagram shortly.

Im my view it also means it isn’t actually DCC Ready. If it says that it should have a socket.

I agree, DCC ready means a DCC PCB is in place but with a blanking plug fitted. You then remove that plug for the insertion of a DCC chip [press fit usually] for DCC running. Unless you want to solder wires don’t get this one.

Can you post a link to what you are looking at? I’ve found one on eBay but that does not say DCC ready.

R-

Hattons have an item in their list and it says:
"Graham Farish 370-140
N Gauge
The Steel Worker with Class 08 D3406 in BR green & 3 x 24-Ton ore hopper wagons
DCC compatible but no socket"

Maybe this is what the OP is referring to.

As far as I can tell this train set (08 green loco and three ore wagons etc) is not DCC Ready. Therefore the decoder would have to be hard wired into the loco, which involves removing motor wiring and connecting the decoder to the pick up wheels and then to the motor terminals either by altering existing wiring or using new wires. It would also be necessary during installation that the motor is proved not to be in connection with any wheels once all wiring has been removed from the motor.

Careful choice of decoder would be needed too, as the size of the decoder and space to fit it will determine which decoder can be used.

The set seems to be discontinued and many retailers have no stock and only second-hand sets are readily available.

IMO I would avoid this set if you intend to use it on DCC

I've always beleived the term "DCC Ready" means a socket and blanking plug is already installed but it is not universally agreed, see this article here:

https://dccwiki.com/DCC_Ready

IanS wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:07 am Hattons have an item in their list and it says:
"Graham Farish 370-140
N Gauge
The Steel Worker with Class 08 D3406 in BR green & 3 x 24-Ton ore hopper wagons
DCC compatible but no socket"

Maybe this is what the OP is referring to.

The word “compatible” might suggest it is a simple hardwire job as described by Brian but since the word has so far not had any definition as far as DCC is concerned, I would check with the seller what he/she means by compatible.

Richard

There are three basic conventions with DCC.

DCC fitted : decoder already fitted by the manufacturer to the DCC socket.

DCC ready : DCC socket fitted but only with a blanking plug which needs to be swapped for a decoder of the owner’s choice.

DCC compatible : no decoder or plug fitted by the manufacturer but a decoder may be hardwired without significant modification of the model if there is sufficient space.

Arguably there is a subset of that last category where older locos may be converted but will need significant alteration, usually by someone with plenty of experience ie split chassis locos.

From memory of my first N gauge loco (class 08) there really is no room in the loco for even the smallest decoder. However, a decoder could be installed in a permanently coupled van or coach with the wiring extended to suit. I did something similar with the Bachmann OO gauge wickham trolley dome years ago.

Steve M wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:20 am There are three basic conventions with DCC.

DCC fitted : decoder already fitted by the manufacturer to the DCC socket.

DCC ready : DCC socket fitted but only with a blanking plug which needs to be swapped for a decoder of the owner’s choice.

DCC compatible : no decoder or plug fitted by the manufacturer but a decoder may be hardwired without significant modification of the model if there is sufficient space.

Thanks for the explanation Steve, I was aware of the first two definitions but it is the first time I have come across the third. Well it looks like we have answered the OPs query.

Richard