How to convert N Gauge Graham Farish Class 8F to DCC Sound

Step 1 - Digihat Conversion

The DCC part of this conversion is the same as most Graham Farish steam locos that require the Digihat Conversion method.

You can also refer to the non-sound DCC conversion guide for the Graham Farish Class 8F.

Follow the non-sound guide, but use black wires instead of the usual colour-coded ones, as they will be visible between the loco and the tender. Ensure the wires are long enough to reach.

Step 2 - Fit Speaker

The standard ESU speaker will not quite fit, so the smaller ESU speaker or a YouChoos small speaker will be required.

Temporarily fit the speaker into the top of the tender using some blue tack to make sure it fits, then solder two short brown wires to it.

Step 3 - Fit Optional Next18 Socket

We will fit a Next18 socket for convenience. Remove a small piece of the tender plastic so the socket PCB can sit as flat as possible.

Solder the four black wires coming from the loco to the socket PCB, and then the two brown wires from the speaker.

Once the wires are connected, glue the socket in.

Step 4 - Glue Speaker In Place

Glue the speaker into the top of the tender body.

Apply some kapton tape to the speaker to prevent it touching anything else.

Step 5 - Fit Decoder

Click the ESU LokSound 5 Nano Next18 decoder into the Next18 socket.

Place the model on your programming track and test.

If all is well, re-fit the tender body and the conversion is complete.