Introduction to the DB class 220 (V200)
In 1953 five prototypes were built of the V200, a twin-engine diesel hydraulic locomotive. Following the success of the prototypes 61 more locomotives were built between 1956 and 1958. The V200 was the show case of the German Railways in the 1950's. They were in service until 1984.
Roco introduced a model of the V200 in 1985 and at that time it was great improvement over the other models on the market. It was technically updated many times since.
This article is about the 220 027-7, a Roco model from 1985. The prototype came into service on December 4, 1956. It was in service until December 1982 and scrapped in 1983.
DCC Sound Installation
I purchased this model of the very first generation of the ROCO V200 in 2002 at the Great American Train Show in Wheaton IL. I remember that I saw the model in the bottom of a box and it was clear that that seller didn't know what he had, so I could get it for a very low price.
Recently ESU introduced a new version of the V200 and therefore also a new sound project. This triggered this story, to install a Loksound 5 decoder in this 1985 model of the DB 220 027-7.
The Roco 43523 (220 027-7) is an example of the first generation Roco 220. It has the big round motor. It pre-dates DCC. After I had bought it in 2002 I installed a Lenz decoder, which is visible at the top.
After removing the cab interiors and the light pieces, you can see the Lenz LE1024 that was directly wired into it.
A completely disassmbled locomotive. The big motor leaves little place for anything else.
The best place I could find for the speaker is under the PCB. A use an ESU sugarcube.
After putting back the PCB, the Loksound 5 decoder will fit where the Lenz decoder was earlier. There was no space for any sockets so I hardwired it all.
A LaisDCC resistor board (seen on the left) allows for the LED lights. The rear red lights are directly placed under the cab interior. The small LED for the regular light is seen on the white wire.
Putting it all in place, small piece of kapton tape to secure the decoder.
Ready for service on the layout. A quick sound demo.
Created: 2021-11-13. Update: 2021-11-14
