Atlas N Scale OEM DCC Decoder Options
Last updated 240217
I am getting a lot of inquiries with as I write this in February, 2024 about all of the new DCC configurations of Atlas N Scale models. The only thing clear to me today is that there is a lot of confusion on the subject. I hope this helps...
Atlas has had a lot of options for N Scale DCC over the years so this reference is by no means meant to be all-inclusive. All of that said, if you have a version of model you want to share, send me model info and clear pics plus any supporting info and I will consider adding it to this page.
Atlas has used many different terms over the years to market models that shipped as DC or DCC-ready or as having DCC or DCC and Sound installed at the factory. Without a lot of research, I can recall Classic and Master Series, Silver and Gold, DCC Ready, LENZ or NCE Equipped just to name a few. We'll see how this page evolves as I try to compile the information.
2023
Atlas released models beginning in 2023 having either NEM662 - Next18 or ESU E24 jumper plugs. Both options are standardized, plug-n-play interface connectors but as of this writing, the ESU E24 has not been formally adopted by the NMRA or RAILCOMMUNITY in Europe and ESU is the only source of DCC decoders using the interface. I imagine both of those details will change soon enough.
Atlas FA1/FB1 (2024) - Atlas OEM Board 1914BM - The Next18 DC jumper board 18PIN-1 is located on the bottom side of the OEM board.
GP7/9 (2024) - Atlas OEM Board 1172-PC01 - The E24 DC jumper board 1172-PC02 is located directly under LED8 C8 and the model comes complete with a speaker so it is sound-ready.
2017
Atlas released Gold (DCC with Sound) models using the ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct 73199 decoder that was originally developed for the first major N Scale model with factory sound, the InterMountain SD40-2 released in 2016. This model decoder was rereleased as the ESU LokSound 5 Direct Micro 58721 in 2022. I recall the SD-35 was the first production model to ship in 2017-ish followed quickly by and Alco C636 and a GP39-2 among others.
There were also Silver (DCC only) models using the ESU LokPilot 4 Micro Direct 54650. This model decoder will be rereleased as the ESU LokPilot 5 Direct Micro 59721 in 2024. The LokPilot version is physically identical to the LokSound version with the only difference being the components for sound are removed from the board.
There have also been many variations along the way that we DC only. If it's not clear what you have, the best this to do is remove the shell and compare the OEM board to the info here. If looks like a duck, walks like a duck and talks like a duck...
2015
The year 2015 was a watershed moment in the world of N Scale model railroading. Atlas released the first-ever production model to feature a factory installed sound decoder, the Alco S2. This model shipped with a one-off OEM version of a LokSound Select DCC Sound Decoder.
There is no official retail part number for this model decoder. To make the situation more challenging, if you need a replacement, Atlas says to contact ESU, ESU says it is an OEM product and you must contact Atlas. At the end of the day, I have never been able to purchase one as modeler, never offered it for sale as a retailer and never heard of anyone else who was able to get one of these that wasn't installed in the model from the factory.
If you need a replacement, I would rewire the model using the ESU 58721 or 59721 as a starting point for the project.
Photo from the N Scale Locomotive Encyclopedia.
2000-ish
Oh so many options... I'll add to this when I have a little more time.
DCC Sound Decoder options are offered by ESU and Digitrax.
The ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct 73100 decoder released in 2017 was developed to be a sort of universal Atlas sound upgrade. There is no magic solution for adding sound to these older models and i have received lots of feedback over the years these are not exactly drop-in decoders. You just have to make it fit if you want to use it for you project. This model decoder was rereleased as the ESU LokSound 5 Micro Direct 58751 in 2023.
Split board Atlas classic models use the TCS CN and CN-GP
The OEM DCC equipped models shipped with LENZ or NCE. Replacement boards offered by TCS include the ASD4, AMD4, ALD4, VO-1000, and MP15N. Digitrax and NCE also offer versions of most configurations.
The H15/16-44 uses the NCE NH15/16-44 DCC Decoder.