Converting Motorpost to digital

Posted on June 14th, 2010 in Trains

Shortly after receiving the Märklin Motorpost from this previous post I converted it from analog operation to digital. This post will describe the process and what is needed for the conversion.

The parts needed to digitize the Motorpost (Märklin part no. 3389):
- Decoder and motor (Märklin part no. 60760)
- LED prints (Märklin part no. 300730)

Please note that this decoder is by no means the best choice available. I bought this set as it was the easiest way for me to upgrade the locomotive.

The body removed from the chassis, the motor will be replaced as will the analog control unit in the middle.

Removing the old light print from the body. You need to remove the cabin interior to reach it.

The prints side by side, the reason for replacing the prints is a slight difference in the connections on the prints. The old prints will not work with a digital decoder.

New motor installed while the old one is still connected.

Old motor gone, along with the analog control unit. The new decoder is waiting to be connected.

And everything in place and connected, including a huge 1000 µF elco to compensate for any power loss while driving over switches. The new components are kept in place by hot-melt (glue-gun).

With this new engine and decoder the loc runs very well.

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