Roco DR BR243 (N scale)- decoders and pans
Hi all, I have a Roco N BR243, and although overall it's a cracking little model, there's a couple of aspects which trouble me... Firstly, there isn't a hell of a lot of room for a decoder. As far as I can tell there's no clearance above the chassis to fit one, so I'm at a slight loss for how to proceed with chipping it. Secondly, I really don't like the pantographs. I haven't a clue which of the Sommerfeldt range would be an appropriate replacement, or even whether they'd be any improvement... for all my N knowledge, it could just be that N pantographs always look poor! Any pointers over either of these issues would be very much appreciated. Thanks Rich

Roco BR 243 (N scale)
Rich, I will look at one and see if I can figure out a spot for a decoder as I also repair trains. What specifically do you not like about the pans? As far as I am concerned, I like and have the Sommerfeldt pans-DB 421 and 424. I also have the 430 for my turntable. Pierre

The pantographs are just so chunky and crude it spoils the model. Unfortunately, looking at the Sommerfeld replacements, they don't look any better. In the lowered position they sit so far above the roof it looks silly.