LL GP9RM Decoder Installation

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Agatheron

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Nov 8, 2003
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Just recently Life Like Canada has released a set of limited edition GP9 "Chop Noses" for both Canadian Pacific (GP9u) and Canadian National (GP9RM). They're part of their proto 2000 series. They look great, I've even seen a few of these up close. However, I've heard that Life Like are notoriously DCC unfriendly.

If I were to install a decoder into one of these limited edition locomotives, what would be required, and which decoder should I use to allow for the best fit?

Suggestions?
 
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jon-monon

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Aug 15, 2002
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Looking at their site, I see some diesels listed as DCC ready, some not. If it's not DCC ready, I would think that would just mean you have to solder. I don't see how a particular loco would be DCC resistant. Perhaps there's not much room for a decoder, though. Didn't see the GP9's you describe on the US or Canda site :curse: P2Ks are wonderful locos, but I can't say the same for their web sites.

Keep in mind, this comes from someone whoe's not done any DCC. Maybe a call or e-mail to LL would get the answers you need.
 
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Gary Pfeil

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May 7, 2001
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I'm not familiar with the new chop nosed GP9, but I've installed in the GP7. Tony's has a plug in board replacement for those, I didn't use them tho. They would be the easiest, and I'm sure he can tell you if they work with this new model. I just remove the existing board and solder in the low cost decoders, I used Digitrax DH121 at the time, I had no problem whatsoever. Had to push the shell down quite firmly to get the couplers back on. A smaller decoder would eliminate that minor problem. If you're not familiar with Tony's, he is at: www.ttx-dcc.com
 
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Agatheron

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The Locomotives I am talking about are limited edition releases in only two roadnames: Canadian Pacific and Canadian National. There's pictures of some CN ones over in the "Real Thing: Canada" forum under "CN London Pics." They're made by Life Like Canada... apparently only 216 of each road number are going to be made. Which I suppose isn't as dire as it might seem. At least for CN, there are 3 different paint schemes, each with two different road numbers... plus undecorated versions for both CN and CP. Doing the math, it's still not a lot... but I plan on having at least one of these on my layout.

I was looking at using a Z-scale decoder from Digitrax in these ones if there's no other information on how to upgrade them included in the specs and instructions included with the locomotive.
 
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Russ Bellinis

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Feb 13, 2003
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The only problem with using a z scale decoder is that it might not handle the amperage of an ho motor. I would think that lifelike Canada is starting with the P2k gp9 and putting a new body on it, or it may be a new cab and short hood with the standard long hood. In that case I would expect the model to come out dcc ready.
 
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