Please help. I am selling the above engine on EBay, everything works great on the engine, headlight, firebox, & sound system, with both whistle & bell working fine off the LGB track magnets. I operate my trains “analog”, I do not have a “digital” system. I received the question, “Is the engine decoder equipped from the factory, or is it decoder ready?” I don’t have a clue to the answer.
Thanks
Ed,
without consulting my catalogues for locomotive model age (mid-90’s from memory), check firstly, the end label on the LGB packaging. If factory decoder equipped (not likely) then the label will be highlighted with the MTZ/S symbol. If not, check the underside of the locomotive drive block lower cover. Look for the ‘direct decoder’ symbol (indicates direct placement of factory decoder enabled) or ‘decoder ready’ symbol which implies four leads from the motor block, requiring a decoder interface cable to connect the drive block to the decoder. A very rare model which should attract $500 upwards.
Decoder ready symbol is a round black sticker with six white dots. Decoder interface cable #55026 is required.
Direct decoder symbol is a smaller version of above, with the words ‘DIRECT DECODER’ around the outside of the black circle. Decoder may be plugged directly into the locomotive circuit board (no interface cable is required).
Tim,
Thanks very much for the information, I will check as you suggest. You gave a good explanation of the LGB systems,
“decoder ready symbol”, as well as, the “direct decoder symbol”. In addition, I will check some 1990’s LGB catologs
that I have.
Ed Engle
Follow up on “decoder equipped from factory or is it decoder ready”. When I purchased the LGB 22182 by winning a
bid on EBay, the seller, a California store, had the title listing as “LGB 22182 MTS Digital 2-6-0 C&S #5 “Red Cab” with
box”. I should have mentioned this with my earlier post, & I apologize for not doing it. However, I’m sure the store would not list the engine with MTS unless it were there. I did a goggle search on LGB MTS & I found the description on “Our Trains.com”, listing the MTS as Item #55027, MTS Decoder III by LGB @ $134.99, reduced to $107.99 plus shipping.
My question(s), Does this information make the engine “decoder ready?” I’m sure it was anaccurate description by the seller, however, is a connecting cable necessary to operate this?
Thanks,
Ed Engle
Ed,
as per my original posting -
if box end label has the MTZ/S symbol, then loco has factory fitted decoder
if drive block lower cover has ‘decoder ready’ symbol, black circle with six white dots inside the circle, then decoder plus interface cable required
if 'decoder direct’symbol , smaller black circle with six white dots, plus the words direct decoder around the outside of the black circle, then the decoder may be fitted directly to the locomotive circuit board
PS. I found your eBay listing. The box end label has the LGB Digital symbol so one must assume it has an original type 1 LGB factory-fitted decoder. The OK sticker on the drive block seems to indicate year of manufacture 1995/96.
Hi Jim,
Thank you for the explanation. There are many of us learning the “new” systems out there. Particularly, if we are
operating with analog. You have cleared up the questions.
Thanks,
Ed Engle
Original 22182 did not have MTS, but did have the 4 wire motor block.
Of course this could have been upgraded by a dealer!!.