The appeal of owning a model of the unique BR Standard 8P class 71000 Duke of Gloucester proved too much and so we have a new addition to the Locoyard fleet.  This is the DCC fitting guide (click here for the model review.)

Hornby have until recently located DCC decoder sockets in the tender.  Although this often proves a frustration for DC users, particularly due to Hornby’s fiddly connecting plug, it does provide an easy spot to locate a DCC chip.  However, no doubt to help cut production costs, this model has a body mounted DCC socket.  Fortunately, DCC fitting is as simple as it can be for this kind of set-up.  To fit a DCC decoder you will need a 8-pin decoder with a wiring harness.  As always, check the model works well in DC mode before starting the conversion.

The first step is to unscrew just one screw from underneath the front bogey as indicated above.  Holding the body, gently pull the chassis down from the front and then slide the chassis forward.  The body comes apart very easily and requires no force.  As always, take care not to damage anything.

The DCC 8-pin plug is indicated in the picture above.  Remove the blanking plate and fit the decoder as per manufacturers instructions.  Test that it works now.  All being well, the DCC chip can now be fed into the smokebox of the body of the model.  However, be very careful that the wires do not interfere with the flywheel also indicated in the picture above and if necessary use tape to tidy the wires.  With this in mind the chassis can be re-attached to the body of the model.

This is a simple DCC job with little to worry most users.  Don’t forget that this is one of many DCC fitting guides, click here to see what other guides have been published.