How to convert N Gauge Union Mills Class D11 to DCC

This guide covers the following models:

• Union Mills D11 62666 'Zeebrugge' in BR Black

Union Mills models follow a similar tender drive arrangement. It is usually possible to fit a small decoder inside the tender, however where this is not possible, the decoder can be hidden in the cab. It is technically possible to mill out some of the metal from the tender to create space, however this reduces weight and traction.

The photos here show the conversion of a D11 model by mounting a hard-wired ESU LokPilot 5 decoder on top of the motor. For full step-by-step instructions, follow the T9 guide, as the steps are the same.

Note that this particular model has the smaller motor that was used in later Union Mills models, which comes with a resistor and a capacitor attached. Both can be removed, however you may want to limit the output voltage from the decoder as a result. For ESU LokPilot 5 decoders, set CV2 to 1, CV53 (EMF reference voltage) to 60 or less (default 130) and CV5 (Max Speed) to 100. It's better to start low and increase the values, than the other way round. Auto calibration will set CV53 to around 40.

The motor in this model usually has brass worm gears, instead of the nylon ones commonly seen on the other Union Mills models.