How to convert N Gauge Minitrix Ivatt 2MT 2-6-2 to DCC

This guide covers the following models:

• Minitrix Ivatt 2MT 2-6-2 41234 in BR Black (N205)

The 2-6-0 (tender) version of the Ivatt 2MT is very similar to convert, however there is also a specific guide available for the 2MT 2-6-0.

Step 1 - Remove Body

First pop off the smoke box cover using your fingernails. Remove the screw behind it. You should then be able to gently wiggle the rear of the loco to separate the body from the chassis. Do not hold onto the conrods while removing the body as this risks bending or damaging them.

Step 2 - Remove Motor Housing

Unclip the plastic motor housing. Note how the contacts on the 'feet' touch the pickup contacts coming from the wheels. It is this connection that we need to isolate so we can insert a decoder between the track power and the motor. Desolder the capacitor that is over the top of the motor housing, and also the choke that bridges the two solder points on one side.

Step 3 - Connect Decoder Track Power

Position the decoder at the back of the chassis using a sticky pad or blacktack. Ensure the decoder cannot touch any internal metal parts. Solder the red and black wires to the two track pickup tabs, using a small piece of shrink sleeve to prevent the legs of the motor housing from making an electrical contact when re-fitted.

Step 4 - Connect Motor

Clip the motor housing back on. Make sure the contacts inside the motor housing are correctly touching the upper and lower contact areas of the motor. Solder the grey wire to the upper solder point on the side where there are two solder points. Solder the orange wire to the single solder point on the other side.

Step 5 - Test

Place the loco on your programming track and attempt to read the decoder ID. After some shuffling, you should get the default ID 3 back. If the loco drives in the wrong direction as per your controller, either swap the orange and grey wires around or set CVV 29 to reverse the direction. A good trick is to simply read the existing value of CVV 29, add 1 to it, then write it back. Check your decoder manual if you are unsure.

Step 6 - Refit Body

Refit the body by clipping the chassis back in at the back first. Ensure you have the correct fit, then replace the screw and the smoke box door.