Model Railway Forum

I see the new Dapol M7 is going to be 'DCC friendly'.

https://www.dapol.co.uk/N-Gauge-M7-0-4-4-Update

That makes sense. Not "Ready" as you need to do some soldering.

Though it is years since I have tried N gauge, I have to admit that the price seems reasonable and the method described to convert to DCC is not beyond the average modellers capability, and gives a better reliability then using DCC sockets and blanking plugs which are known to give the occasional issues for DC users.
This loco actually has a nicely thought out common sense approach which I actually like. Shame Dapol are not into 7mm NG.

But how best to describe it? DCC compatible?

IMO its not up to modern standards at all. To expect anyone to unsolder wires from a locos factory fitted PCB, remove the PCB and then solder wires to those left is totally unacceptable, regardless of skill level!

All new locos should be supplied from the factory as at a minimum DCC Ready - A suitable DC/DCC socket manufacture installed and a DC blanking plug fitted. Whether 4. 6, 8 or 21 pin or Next or even PLuX a conversion socket should be factory fitted.

IMO Dapol are making a step backwards!

I had one of the ‘original’ M7 locos by Dapol. I fitted a micro decoder by hard wiring and putting it low down in the cab.
It would appear that all Dapol have done is make the same conversion slightly easier by opening up the space in the bunker.

Hardly something to shout about.

Brian wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 7:24 pm IMO its not up to modern standards at all. To expect anyone to unsolder wires from a locos factory fitted PCB, remove the PCB and then solder wires to those left is totally unacceptable, regardless of skill level!

I have just read the press release again. I thought the PCB was provided to allow you to solder a decoder ON to it. This does suggest a high level of 'let's just do the minimum' from Dapol.

darkscot wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 9:17 am

Brian wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 7:24 pm IMO its not up to modern standards at all. To expect anyone to unsolder wires from a locos factory fitted PCB, remove the PCB and then solder wires to those left is totally unacceptable, regardless of skill level!

I have just read the press release again. I thought the PCB was provided to allow you to solder a decoder ON to it. This does suggest a high level of 'let's just do the minimum' from Dapol.

They use the word ‘replace’. Therefore the PCB has to be unsoldered and removed to make space for the decoder.

Yet another classic (Ratner) moment by Dapol.