Driving Decoder – Shop Locomotive
Pure driving decoder in a locomotive with a suitable digital interface. Decoder charged separately.
Workshop Service for Your Model Railway
Decoder Installation & Repairs: Prices and Model Railway Service
Retrofit driving decoders, equip locomotives with sound, digitise older vehicles, convert BEMO narrow-gauge models or have a locomotive professionally inspected and repaired: all Modellbahnshop services, requirements and prices are presented clearly in one place.
Digitisation, Sound and Workshop Service
Which Services Does Modellbahnshop Offer?
Modellbahnshop offers a range of workshop and digitisation services for model railway locomotives. These include the installation of pure driving decoders, sound decoders, PIKO sound decoders, ESU LokSound conversions, necessary soldering work, technical inspections, repairs, cleaning, BEMO narrow-gauge conversions and individual custom work.
The “Decoder Installation & Repairs | Modellbahnshop” service is intended both for modellers who want to digitise an analogue locomotive and for owners of already digital vehicles whose sound, lighting, running characteristics or mechanical operation should be improved.
Inspect First, Then Convert
Not every conversion is equally feasible in every vehicle. Interface, available installation space, motor, current pickup, lighting, loudspeaker and body design vary from model to model. More complex work is therefore assessed before it begins to determine whether the requested conversion is technically possible and economically reasonable.
Keep Decoder Costs and Additional Work Separate
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the decoder itself is not included in the quoted installation price. Additional work is not carried out without approval. It begins only after inspection, cost assessment and customer authorisation.
Important Note
Decoder prices and installation prices are generally separate.
The expressly described BEMO conversion packages are an exception: the ESU LokSound decoder forms part of the respective package price.
€20.00*
driving-decoder installation for a shop-purchased locomotive
€44.99*
sound-decoder installation
€60.00*
soldering workshop labour per hour
€49.00*
visual inspection & cost estimate
€35.00*
locomotive cleaning
All Services at a Glance
€20.00*
€30.00*
€44.99*
€9.90*
€60.00*
€49.00*
Price List for Decoder Installation, Sound and Repairs
The prices apply to the service described in each row. Decoders and additional components are included only where this is explicitly stated.
| Service | Scope | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Driving-decoder installation for a locomotive purchased from Modellbahnshop | Professional installation of a pure driving decoder without sound in a locomotive with a digital interface. |
€20.00* plus decoder |
| Driving-decoder installation for a locomotive not purchased from Modellbahnshop | Professional installation of a pure driving decoder without sound in a locomotive with a digital interface. |
€30.00* plus decoder |
| Sound-decoder installation for other brands, e.g. ESU | Installation of a suitable sound decoder, such as ESU LokSound 5, in H0 or TT locomotives with a suitable interface. |
€44.99* installation plus decoder €9.90* sound project |
| Installation of a PIKO sound decoder | Professional installation of the PIKO-recommended sound decoder with the appropriate sound project for PIKO locomotives in H0, TT and N. |
€44.99* plus PIKO sound decoder |
| H0 / TT decoder installation requiring soldering | Conversion of locomotives without a digital interface or vehicles requiring additional soldering work. |
€60.00* per hour plus, where required, €30.00* inspection fee |
| Visual inspection and cost estimate | Visual inspection, fault diagnosis and assessment of expected work for repair requests or unclear conversions. | €49.00* |
| Locomotive cleaning | Cleaning of a locomotive, particularly as part of minor repairs and maintenance. | €35.00* |
Driving Decoder – External Locomotive
For locomotives with an interface that were not purchased from Modellbahnshop.
Sound-Decoder Installation
For suitable vehicles with an interface. The sound decoder is charged separately.
ESU Sound Project
Additional charge for loading the suitable sound project.
Workshop Labour per Hour
For decoder installations requiring soldering work after technical inspection.
Visual Inspection & Cost Estimate
Fault diagnosis and assessment of expected work before repairs.
Price Information
* All service prices shown include VAT.
Where a service is marked “plus decoder”, the selected decoder is charged separately. Additional work is carried out only after inspection and customer approval.
Digital Operation without Sound
Driving-Decoder Installation for Locomotives with a Digital Interface
If your locomotive already has a suitable digital interface, a pure driving decoder can be installed professionally. This service is intended for modellers who want digital control, lighting functions and adjustable running characteristics but do not need locomotive sound.
If the locomotive was purchased from Modellbahnshop, installation costs €20.00*. For a locomotive not purchased from Modellbahnshop, installation costs €30.00*.
Is the Driving Decoder Included in the Installation Price?
No. These prices cover only the professional installation of a pure driving decoder without sound. The suitable decoder is charged separately.
Driving Sounds and Digital Functions
Sound-Decoder Installation for H0, TT and PIKO Locomotives
ESU and Sound Decoders from Other Brands
A suitable sound decoder such as an ESU LokSound 5 can be installed in H0 and TT locomotives with a suitable interface. The decoder, interface and locomotive are matched technically.
Installation costs €44.99* plus the sound decoder. Loading the suitable sound project costs an additional €9.90*.
PIKO Sound Decoders
For suitable PIKO locomotives in H0, TT and N, the sound decoder recommended by the manufacturer can be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation or operating instructions.
Professional installation costs €44.99* plus the corresponding PIKO sound decoder. The matching sound project for the locomotive is part of this service.
Why Is the Correct Sound Decoder Important?
A decoder recommended for the specific model can make installation, functionality, sound adjustment and reliable operation easier. Interface, available installation space and loudspeaker must nevertheless be suitable for the locomotive concerned.
Vehicles without a Simple Plug-In Solution
H0 and TT Decoder Installation Requiring Soldering
The work required for older locomotives without a digital interface or models requiring additional soldering cannot be priced as a single standard conversion. The available installation space and technical requirements of the specific model must first be assessed.
When Is a Technical Inspection Necessary?
If feasibility cannot be assessed reliably from the available information, the locomotive must be sent in for technical inspection. The inspection fee is €30.00*.
The fee covers technical assessment and estimation of the expected work. It is also charged if the requested installation subsequently proves technically impossible or economically unreasonable.
How Is Soldering Work Charged?
After a successful inspection, you receive an estimate of the expected working time and costs. Decoder installation requiring soldering is then charged at €60.00* per hour and is carried out only after your approval.
Narrow Gauge Often Requires More Workshop Work
Decoder and Sound Conversions for BEMO Narrow-Gauge Models
BEMO narrow-gauge models can require particularly complex decoder and sound conversions because of their dimensions, lighting and limited installation space. Two clearly defined service variants are therefore offered.
| Variant | Scope | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Variant 1 | ESU LokSound decoder including universal sound project. | €207.00* |
| Variant 2 | ESU LokSound decoder including suitable sound project, conversion of the front lighting and required adaptation work such as drilling or mechanical processing. | €307.00* |
Are Special Sound Projects Available for BEMO Models?
Yes. Special sound projects, for example from Dukstein Sound, may be possible by prior agreement. Depending on the vehicle and desired sound, individual coordination may be required.
Cost Control before Workshop Work
Visual Inspection, Fault Diagnosis and Cost Estimate
A visual inspection is required before all repair work. The flat fee is €49.00* and covers visual inspection, fault diagnosis and assessment of the expected work.
When Is the Visual-Inspection Fee Charged?
The fee is also charged if the inspection shows that the requested repair or conversion is technically impossible or not economically reasonable.
Further Work Only after Your Approval
After the inspection you receive an assessment. Additional workshop work is carried out only after your approval, so you retain control over the scope and costs.
Custom Conversions
Please describe individual requests as precisely as possible.
Custom conversions on locomotives, coaches, wagons or other models are first checked for technical feasibility. If this cannot be assessed from the description alone, the model must be sent in for technical inspection. The inspection fee is €30.00*. After a successful inspection, you receive an individual quotation and work begins only after approval.
Not Every Locomotive Needs a Decoder
€49.00*
€35.00*
according to effort
Repairs for DDR Models and Newer Locomotives
Modellbahnshop offers repairs for both DDR models and newer locomotives. Typical work includes cleaning, carbon-brush replacement, replacement of wear parts and minor repairs.
How Does a Locomotive Repair Work?
Before every repair, a visual inspection including diagnosis is carried out. You then receive a cost estimate. The actual repair begins only after your approval.
What Happens When Carbon Brushes Are Replaced?
When carbon brushes are replaced, the locomotive is generally completely disassembled and cleaned. This allows the technical condition to be assessed more thoroughly and supports reliable operation after maintenance.
Visual Inspection
Including diagnosis and cost estimate before the repair.
Cleaning
Cleaning of a locomotive as part of maintenance or a minor repair.
Further Repairs
Only after diagnosis, cost assessment and explicit approval.
From Your Request to the Finished Model
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How a Decoder Conversion or Repair Works
Describe the Request
State the model, product number, required decoder, sound or fault as precisely as possible.
Check Feasibility
Straightforward interface conversions can be classified quickly; complex cases require an inspection.
Inspect the Model
For repairs or unclear conversions, the technology, fault and expected work are assessed.
Approve the Costs
Further work is carried out only after the assessment and your explicit approval.
Workshop Work
Decoder installation, sound conversion, soldering, cleaning or repair is carried out professionally.
Important Brands for Decoders and Conversions
Decoders, Sound and Narrow Gauge by Manufacturer
Find a Suitable Decoder in the Current Shop
Filter Driving and Sound Decoders Live
The product finder searches the current English decoder and sound-decoder categories. Each product page is checked again before a card is displayed. Clearly archived products are rejected. Prices, delivery times and stock levels are deliberately not displayed on this service landing page.
Current decoders will be checked when this section approaches the viewport.
Personal Contact
Questions About Digitisation and Repairs?
Max Zweigler
Max Zweigler is your personal contact for questions concerning model railway digitisation and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers About Decoder Installation, Sound and Repairs
How Much Does Installation of a Simple Driving Decoder Cost?
For a locomotive purchased from Modellbahnshop with a digital interface, installation costs €20.00*. For a locomotive not purchased from Modellbahnshop, installation costs €30.00*. The decoder is charged separately.
Is the Decoder Included in the Installation Price?
Unless expressly stated otherwise, no. The decoder is charged in addition to the installation price. The described BEMO packages are an exception because the ESU LokSound decoder is included in the package price.
How Much Does Installation of an ESU LokSound Decoder Cost?
Sound-decoder installation for suitable H0 and TT locomotives costs €44.99* plus the decoder. Loading the suitable sound project costs an additional €9.90*.
How Much Does Installation of a PIKO Sound Decoder Cost?
Installation costs €44.99* plus the PIKO-recommended sound decoder. The service is intended for suitable PIKO locomotives in H0, TT and N.
Can Locomotives without a Digital Interface Be Converted?
Depending on the vehicle, yes. If soldering work is required, the conversion is assessed technically first. Workshop labour is then charged at €60.00* per hour.
How Much Does the Technical Inspection of an Unclear Conversion Cost?
The technical inspection fee is €30.00*. It is also charged when the requested conversion is subsequently found to be technically impossible or not economically reasonable.
How Much Does the Visual Inspection for a Repair Cost?
The visual inspection including fault diagnosis, assessment of expected work and cost estimate costs €49.00*.
Are Repairs Automatically Carried Out after the Inspection?
No. Further work is carried out only after your approval, so you retain control over the scope and costs.
Which Repairs Does Modellbahnshop Carry Out?
Repairs are available for DDR models and newer locomotives. Typical services include cleaning, carbon-brush replacement, replacement of wear parts and minor repairs.
What Happens When Carbon Brushes Are Replaced?
When carbon brushes are replaced, the locomotive is generally completely disassembled and cleaned so that its technical condition can be assessed properly.
How Much Does Locomotive Cleaning Cost?
Cleaning a locomotive costs €35.00*. Further repairs are charged according to effort and only after prior approval.
How Much Does a BEMO Sound Conversion Cost?
Variant 1 costs €207.00* and includes an ESU LokSound decoder with a universal sound project. Variant 2 costs €307.00* and additionally includes a suitable sound project, conversion of the front lighting and required mechanical adaptation work.
Are Special Sound Projects Available for BEMO Models?
Special sound projects, for example from Dukstein Sound, are possible by prior agreement. Depending on the vehicle, individual coordination may be required.
Are the Stated Prices Inclusive of VAT?
Yes. All prices marked with an asterisk on this service page include VAT.
From Decoder Installation to a Properly Maintained Locomotive
Further information about interfaces, digital protocols, maintenance, electrical systems, decoder selection and layout operation is available in the main model railway guide.