Class 57 model 5706 and TXS decoder

[centenary]

Does anyone know whether the Hornby TXS decoder fits in the available space in the Heljan Class 57? Some have said the TXS decoders do not fit other manufacturers models as it is a little longer than other chips.

[Bigmet]

Should be an easy fit in a model that size: but there is a caveat, are you prepared to modify the interior as required? Sometimes this is nothing more than detach the decoder socket from its mounting and move it slightly, fixing it in the new location with a double sided sticky pad or similar.

[centenary]

Should be an easy fit in a model that size: but there is a caveat, are you prepared to modify the interior as required? Sometimes this is nothing more than detach the decoder socket from its mounting and move it slightly, fixing it in the new location with a double sided sticky pad or similar.

Thanks for the insight. I think this model is a 21 pin decoder and while Im quite good at soldering, Im not sure Id tackle desoldering a 21 pin socket!

[Bigmet]

Thanks for the insight. I think this model is a 21 pin decoder and while Im quite good at soldering, Im not sure Id tackle desoldering a 21 pin socket!

Neither would I! But the socket will be on a PCB attached to the main casting, clipped in or screwed on; and (this is not specific to Heljan, I have seen this on locos from every brand I have purchased or been handed to 'look over and work on' thus far, bar one*) the location of that PCB is often 'unhelpful **' in one or more respects. As a result I would guess that roughly half my own locos will have been tinkered with in this respect in order to make the internal arrangements suit my purposes, and a small move of the PCB that has the decoder socket on it is a pretty regular occurence, usually resecured using a double sided tape.

* Planet industrials 'Victory' 0-6-0T has a Next18 socket positioned vertically, and off centre in a side tank, very neat indeed. Only loco they have produced for RTR OO, but they are on 100%.

** 'Unhelpful What do I mean by this?
The lightweight decoder socket - and thus the lightweight decoder - placed right where weight for traction needs to go.
Honourable mention, Bachmann's placement of the decoder socket to the rear of their recent 0-4-4T models, good thinking!

Decoder socket placed so decoder fouls the body work. (Worst case, and shorts on the chassis block when the body is attached.)

Decoder socket placed where there is no space for a decoder.

[centenary]

D'oh! Just found out Hornby dont currently do a Class 57 sound file