Model Railway Forum

Its sometimes almost simpler to hardwire - take the Hornby M7 for example, you can make space for a decoder in it as per the instructions by removing a weight which the loco really benefits from retaining. Otherwise using the socket a TCS DP2X-UK (a 8 pin direct fit decoder) will fit okay but needs to be the wrong way round (pin 1 diagonally in the wrong socket) as that is the only way it clears the body when you refit it. Not an issue as it has no lights and CV29 tweaking will correct the direction error. An alternative is to remove the socket and all the masses of wiring Hornby insist unnecessarily supplying apart from the wire from the pick ups. A small decoder (a TCS M1 for example) has its motor wires soldered direct to the motor, one pick-up wire soldered to an existing tag on the chassis block and the other connected to the retained pick up wire with heatshrink over the joint. If you are really careful / lucky the loco will go the correct way, if not tweak CV29 and this has the added benefit of getting rid of the excessive wiring which can pose issues refitting the body.