How to convert N Gauge Graham Farish Class 43 HST (Split Chassis) to DCC

This guide covers the following models:

• Class 43 43056 in Midland Mainline 'New' Livery (371-475A)
• Class 43 43096 'Stirling Castle' in GNER 'New' Livery (red doors) (371-480)

Some time after moving production to China, the chassis for the Class 43 was changed to follow the usual split chassis arrangement, with a PCB added to the top. If your chassis looks different to the ones pictured here, have a look at the Older Chinese Chassis page instead.

Step 1 - Remove body

Remove the body by gently pulling upwards.

Step 2 - Remove PCB

Remove the two screws at either end of the PCB, and gently detach the PCB from the chassis block. Be careful that you do not bend the contacts that touch either side of the motor.

Step 3 - Remove Components

Desolder the coiled 'chokes' from the PCB, marked 'L1' and 'L2' respectively. This effectively breaks the connection between the track pickups and the motor.

Step 4 - Connect DCC Decoder

The decoder needs to be wired in place of where the chokes originally where. The easiest way to do this, is to re-use the same four solder pads. Solder an orange and grey wire to the pads nearest where it says 'MO+' and 'MO-'.

Solder a red and black wire to the other two pads. Fix the decoder in place using some black-tack or a sticky pad. There is plenty of room at the back, which means the decoder should not be visible through the rear windows.

At this point, put your loco onto a test track and make sure it works.

Step 5 - Re-fit Body

Clip the body back on, and the conversion is complete.