(click on the pictures to see a larger (1024*768) picture)
NMJ makes very nice models of Norwegian locmotives. Here are two examples, the Di3
diesel locomotive and El17 electric locomotive. Installing DCC decoders in these locomotives requires some
work because they don't have a DCC socket. Also they have a light board installed that is used to power the
small lights (grain of rice/wheat).
In both locomotives I replaced the existing light board with a simular light board with decoder installed.
This picture shows the original board from the Di3 (bottom) and the new board with decoder. To create the proper
1.5V for the lights I used the LM317 voltage regulator.
See
here for details
This picture shows the new board installed in the roof of the NMJ Di3. The decoder used in this
installation is a Lenz LE080XS. This is a four function decoder with silent drive. The silent drive
feature is important because the NMJ models have Cannon motors and they are coreless motors so they
require a high PWM. For the Di3 all four functions are used. Two functions wires are used for the front
and rear lights. The third and fourth functions are used for the top light above the cabine.
Thsi picture shows a simular installation in the NMJ El17. The original board still sits in the
locomotive. The new board is mounted on the other side. Because of space limitations the board is made
in two pieces. The decoder used in this installation is the Zimo MX61/2000.