into a Proto1000* RDC
*now Walthers

by Robert Petit Duneland DCC

This installation involves installing a TCS T-1 two function decoder in a Proto 1000 RDC car. This is a pretty straight forward installation.

Begin by removing the shell from the frame. Remove the couplers from both ends, and there are two screws at each end of the frame near the inboard side of the trucks. These are the only screws that need to be removed to separate the body from the frame. (See Photos 1 and 2)

I then mount the decoder using a small piece of double stick tape. This model was an RDC-3 with a Baggage/RPO end, and I made sure that the decoder was not visible through the windows. (See Photo 3)

Photo 3

After the decoder is mounted, trim your wires to length. Leaving a little extra, just in case when you strip the wire it breaks off on you. Strip, tin and solder in place.
A very nice color code chart of the NMRA Plug and wire color code is available on the TCS web site at http://www.tcsdcc.com/harnesses.html
Or directly at: http://www.tcsdcc.com/images/NMRA-plug-pin-out.jpg

There is only one more thing to do to make your install complete. To make the lamps brighter I soldered a 330 ohm resistor across the resistor (in parallel) on the circuit board.
(See Photo 4 for finished installation)

Photo 4

Your value may need to vary, depending on your track voltage. I use a Digitrax DCS-100 set on the HO scale setting.

Replace the body shell, and couplers, program your address and you’re all set to go! I hope that you have many years of enjoying your new installation and this guide has helped ease your installation.

I hope that you enjoy your locomotive for a long time! If you have any questions I can be contacted at www.dunelanddcc.com.