DCC Conversion Service

We can professionally convert most locos to be DCC compatible, and have converted many Graham Farish, Dapol, Minitrix and Kato examples for our own layouts, and for many customers. Although we specialise in N Gauge conversions, we can perform work on most scales. The main factor is that there is enough space inside the body to house a decoder. Contact Us for more information, advice, or for a no-obligation quote.

Download DCC Conversion Order Form

Here are some examples of recent conversions we have carried out for customers:

• Kato Eurostar DCC Conversion
• Graham Farish Class 43 HST DCC Conversion
• Graham Farish Class 91 DCC Conversion
• Graham Farish Class 158 DCC Conversion
• Graham Farish LMS General Tank DCC Conversion
• Dapol Class 66 DCC Conversion
• Bachmann Thomas The Tank Engine DCC Conversion
• Minitrix Mallard DCC Conversion

All conversions come with a test run video on our dedicated test track facility, and programming to a Loco ID of your choice. We can supply a selection of popular DCC decoders, however if you prefer you can supply your own. Any customer-supplied decoders will be bench tested on our DCC Decoder Tester before fitting. Note that not all decoders support DC running, and we do not recommend running converted locos in this way. We do not guarantee converted locos will run on DC, and doing so is at your own risk and will void any warranty provided. Decoders will be supplied with DC running disabled if supported.

The conversion cost varies depending on the chassis arrangement, motor type, presence of directional lighting, and any existing PCBs that require modification. In general, the more modern models will be cheaper. The most expensive models to convert are older steam locos that require a Digihat Conversion and split chassis locos that require part of the chassis milling out. We have divided the common chassis types into pricing categories, you can see our current price list here.

If your loco has lights, we can usually connect them to the decoder's function outputs too, and optionally convert or repair old filament bulbs with modern LED equivalents. In some cases, notably older Dapol examples, conversion to DCC requires the factory-fitted lighting PCB to be completely removed, replaced or extensively modifed.

Depending on the body, it may also be possible to retrofit directional lighting, like we did in our own Graham Farish Intercity Class 91 LED lighting project.

If room inside the loco body permits, we can optionally install a socket rather than having the decoder permanently hard-wired in. This means you can insert and remove any decoder, and even convert back to DC with a blanking plug of required.

For all orders, a pre-conversion test run is performed on DC to make sure it is a good runner. Poor DC runners can lead to reliability issues when converted. If it is not deemed a sufficiently good runner for conversion, we will contact you first as many running issues can be resolved.

For example, Graham Farish 'digihat' conversions work best when the carbon brushes on the motor are in good order. If they are quite worn, we will replace them both during the conversion. Note that this procedure will usually require the loco to be run in again as if new. If a loco is not deemed to be a good runner or is unsuitable for conversion, it will be returned to you unconverted and a fee will be charged to cover the testing and return postage.

No upfront payment is required! You pay only when the work is complete. Locos will be returned by a Royal Mail tracked service, covered up to at least the average second-hand value of your loco.

All locos will be returned in the same packaging you sent them to us in, so please make sure it provides adequate protection.

DCC Conversion Price List Download DCC Conversion Order Form