Dapol locos on DC

[Wayne 56089]

Hi guys, just wondering as I've just got the new farish 24 set as a running in track for free with the 24.

Is it safe to run in my 2 56s on DC to run them in properly as I only have a 6x1 end to end layout so there not even close to stretching their legs but I've heard a few stories of dapol locos blowing lights etc while running on DC,  on DCC they run beautifully so I don't really want to cause a problem that isn't there?

I could link a couple of wires from my nce powercab socket to my test track but I don't want to if I can get away with it.

Any advice much appreciated 

[GWR-Kris]

Depends what chip you fitted to the class 56s. Most chips now run fine on both DC or DCC. If your unsure i would refit the blanking plug to run them in.

Its always worth running them in first on DC before fititng a DCC chip. The only reason most say to run them in on DC first is becasue in some cases it will invalidate your warrenty, but theat is usually becasue you have to solder the chip to the loco.

[Dock Shunter]

I would re-fit the blanking plug without question before running them on DC.
If you haven't already done so put a drop of oil on each set of gears before running.

........Ste

[PaulCheffus]

I would re-fit the blanking plug without question before running them on DC.
If you haven't already done so put a drop of oil on each set of gears before running.

........Ste

Hi

Why? Provided the decoder supports running on DC, there isn't a Relco or other device attached then the decoder will be fine on DC. Surely you risk doing more damage by having to dismantle the loco just to run it on DC.

Cheers

Paul

[EtchedPixels]

The only case you really have to watch is DC locos on DCC layouts without chips, and not using a relco type device with modern locos (DCC fitted especially)

If they are chipped then you can run them on DC just fine.

I would note that the usual spew about "run in on DC first" really comes from the days when decoders were never factory fitted and wiring was usually needed. Then you wanted to be very sure the model wasn't faulty *before* you attacked it with a soldering iron, dremel and the like.

With a modern socketed loco the vendors mostly make the recommendation to reduce the number of returns they get caused by an "error between the control knob and operators chair"

If you get weird behaviour then having DC available can sometimes be very useful to troubleshoot, just as with anything else that lets you remove some complexity from a problem.

[1018509]

I too have an end to end DCC layout and to run my loco's in I put them on two small rolling roads that you can but cheaply from ebay. One under each bogie and leave running in a remote part of your layout whilst you get down to some serious train management.

[Wayne 56089]

Thanks for all the replies 

They've been most helpful.