How to convert N Gauge Kato 11-107 Powered Chassis to DCC

This guide shows how to convert several Kato motorized chassis types to DCC. They run very well at slow speed under DC and DCC, and are perfect for a wide range of scratch built and custom projects. We use them to provide motive power and camera power to our N Gauge HD Train Camera.

This guide covers the following models:

• Kato Chassis (11-106)
• Kato Chassis (11-107)

Step 1 - Remove body

Remove the white upper plastic section by gently pushing the two black body clips on each side. Note, they can break easily. The motor will pop out slightly.

Step 2 - Remove Motor Contacts

Move the motor to one side, being careful not to break or bend the drive shaft. Remove the two copper strips from the middle of the chassis that were touching the two motor contacts.

Step 3 - Connect Motor

Solder an orange and grey wire to the two motor contacts, then replace the motor inside the chassis housing.

Step 4 - Connect Track Pickups

Solder a red and black wire to the outer copper strips. Route all four wires towards the non-motor end, and clip the white upper housing back on.

Step 5 - Add Decoder Socket

Solder the four wires onto a 6-pin decoder socket, which can be fixed to the top of the chassis with glue or black tack.

Step 6 - Test

Insert a decoder into the socket, taking care to make sure Pin 1 on the decoder is plugged into the 'orange' side. Place the loco on your programming track and read the loco ID. If all is well, you will get the default loco ID back after a few movements backwards and forwards - then the conversion is complete.