Union Mills locomotives DCC
DCC Fitted with A Lenz Silver Mini Decoder
Union Mills Locomotives are superb on DCC. The metal cast chassis ensures good pickup contact which is the main prerequisite for good DCC running. Micro decoders can be fitted in the tender above the motor by milling away part of the tender shell.
Locating above the motor retains the locomotive in the originally intended configuration when manufactured. We recommend using Lenz Silver Mini decoder because it is particularly well suited to smooth low throttle running when matched with the Union Mills motor, other micro decoders do not tend to replicate this quality of low throttle running but we will of course fit them if you wish to use a different one.
The models are not suited to sound conversions because of the limited tender space and cast boiler section. A few enthusiasts have converted Union Mills models to sound by cutting away large amounts of weight to create decoder and speaker fit. This results in the model having less weight which is crucial to pickup performance so we do not recommend it on a commercial basis.
Traction and Speed Curve
Union Mills models are a very worthwhile addition to any DCC layout where you are looking for smooth running and good control at low throttle and they generally have more pulling tractive power than any other mainstream N gauge manufactured models
Examples
You can view example test runs of Union Mills locos running on DCC in the video below. Follow this link for a playlist of Union Mills Models On DCC
Ordering a Model (Updated 4th January 2022 – Union Mills Announcement)
Unfortunately as of 1st January 2023 Colin Heard at Union Mills has decided to retire from the manufacturing of Union Mills models. The ordering service for new models is therefore now closed. Colin does have some stock left which can be seen by by clicking this link
You can contact Colin direct on 01624 852896 or colin.h@manx.net and he will still be happy to post direct to us for fitting until his current stock is exhausted.It’s always handy to drop us a line just to let us know you have ordered a model from Colin which is being sent to us so that we can look out for it.
You can send your own Union Mills model to us for conversion. This will remain the same for the foreseeable future. To take advantage of this service please contact douglas@wicknessmodels.co.uk
Union Mills Models Made
List of all Union Mills models made, all have been made in both BR and Grouped liveries apart from City of Truro which only had one livery
LNER | LMS | SOUTHERN | GWR |
J11 0-6-0 | 2F 0-6-0 | 700 0-6-0 | DEAN GOODS 0-6-0 |
J25 0-6-0 | 3F 0-6-0 | “0395” 0-6-0 | COLLETT 0-6-0 |
J26 0-6-0 | 7F 0-8-0 | T9 4-4-0 | DUKEDOG 4-4-0 |
J27 0-6-0 | G2 0-8-0 | CITY OF TRURO 4-4-0 | |
J38 0-6-0 | CAULIFLOWER 0-6-0 | ||
J39 0-6-0 | 2P 4-4-0 | ||
Q2 0-8-0 | PRINCE OF WALES 4-6-0 | ||
D20 4-4-0 | |||
B12 4-6-0 | |||
D11 4-4-0 | |||
D16/3 4-4-0 |
Currently Available Models
Models available while stocks remain can be seen by clicking this link
Articles about Union Mills Models
Gallery Of DCC Converted Models
Please view the gallery below to see Union Mills models converted by Wickness Models. Please note this is a gallery of example models converted over the years and covers examples of all models ever manufactured.