How to convert N Gauge Hobbytrain Plasser & Theurer Tamper to DCC

This guide covers the following models:

• Hobbytrain Plasser & Theurer Tamper (Yellow) (H23503)

Step 1 - Disconnect Motor

Turn the model upside down and disconnect the cardan shaft from the motor. The tubing can be moved away from the motor shaft.

Step 2 - Remove Motor Housing

Get your fingernail behind the plastic side piece and pop it off. It has two pins that once released, allows the bottom of the motor housing to come out.

Step 3 - Remove Cab

Remove the two buffers. Unclip the coupling from its pocket, then unclip the NEM pocket itself from the underside of the body.

Use tweezers to push the motor shaft down so the front of the motor housing comes away from the rest of the body. Now with a bit of gentle persuasion, pop the front out also.

Notice how there is a thin black wire on one side of the chassis, and a bare wire on the other which is touching a bare (i.e. unpainted) part of the chassis.

Step 4 - Remove PCB

Remove the 4 screws just under the bogie, then lift out the bogie/pcb. Slide the bogie along the open part of the 'U' shaped PCB. Desolder the black wire so the PCB is completely free.

Remove the motor.

Step 5 - Modify PCB

Remove the PCB tracks as shown, this breaks the link between the track pickups and the motor contacts.

Step 6 - Fit Decoder

Fit the decoder into the cab, and pass the red/black/grey/orange wires through the holes in the chassis - two wires through each hole. Secure the decoder to the floor of the cab with some black tack.

Solder the decoder wires to the PCB as shown. The inner tracks are the track pickups (red/black) and the outer tracks are the motor contacts (grey/orange).

Step 7 - Refit Bogie & PCB

Refit the bogie and PCB, making sure the sprung contacts are firmly up against the motor contacts. Refit the 4 screws.

Refit the motor housing, starting at an angle with the decoder/cab end going in first. Reconnect the cardan shaft.

Step 8 - Reassemble Body

Refit the motor housing cover, and refit the 2 screws. Refit the plastic side piece, and the conversion is complete.