Greetings and welcome to 2021,

The circumstances of the world still feel exactly like 2020 but the world of DCC is marching forward in grand fashion.

This edition of the Backshop Limited features the latest product announcements from ESU! The list is long and the new products are welcome additions to the hobby.

The first question everyone asks is "When will it be available?". I have the same information as you for the most part which are the dates listed on the ESU website. I am not privileged to any unpublished information. I typically find out it's available when I get the bill.

I will gladly accept NO-OBLIGATION Pre-Orders for these items.

There are two ways to place a pre-order.

One way is to create an order on the website just like any other order. Be aware, if you enter your Credit Card info at checkout, your card will be charged immediately when you complete the order. YOU MUST SELECT AN ALTERNATE PAYMENT METHOD like Check, Money Order, or Customer Account for payment to avoid immediate charges.

I prefer the alternate payment method for pre-orders. It's really easy to cancel an order. It's really hard to refund a credit card payment. Like I said, it's no-obligation... and I never believe ANY manufacturer in this hobby when they provide a delivery date anyway.

The other way is for you to EMAIL ME with your ship to information if you are not a registered customer along with the items and quantity desired. Be sure to include a sound file number if you want a decoder pre-loaded with a sound file. I will create a backorder in the system just like any other order and you will get confirmation emails just like any other order.

In either case, I will contact you for payment by sending a PayPal invoice to the email address on the order when the items become available if payment is due. Any payment method is fine, this is just the easiest and fastest way.

It's really easy for me to manage the process this way and you don't have to keep checking the website and asking if it is here yet.

I have one additional comment about ESU products worth sharing. I still get many orders from customers requesting Version 4 Sound Files. I have to assume this is intentional and desired by the customer for their own reasons. I have checked a few times and in every case it was simply a matter of the customer not knowing their are newer and better LokSound 5 Sound Files available.

CLICK HERE to see the entire ESU Sound File Library.

As a reminder, the SBS4DCC website features Real-Time Stock Status. Please remember that orders for out-of-stock products will be delayed and restock information will be limited. The shipping status notice applies to in-stock product only.

Be sure to check out the Tutorials, Tips and Tricks section of the website. I continue to add volumes of information about different subjects I think you might find valuable.

I am frequently asked for help and information about the manufacturers warranty when a project doesn't work out the way we expected. CLICK HERE to access the Consolidated DCC Manufacturers Warranty Information page. Of course this information is subject to change and the manufacturers information is always the primary resource.

And finally... Model Railroad Operations are a blast and are a great way to get engaged in this great hobby. Operating sessions are surely limited these days so you can use this time to enjoy the OpSIG Publications - A Compendium Of Model Railroad Operations - From Design To Implementation and get to work developing your own operating sessions. You can find out more by visiting the OpSIG webite or by contacting your local NMRA chapter as well.

Bryan Vianco

Owner, SBS4DCC

Introducing the All New ESU 58923 LokSound 5 Nano NMRA DCC Sound Decoder - Hardwire

With the LokSound 5 Nano DCC, ESU has succeeded in developing an even smaller LokSound decoder: With only 19.6 mm x 8.5 mm x 3.2 mm, it is the smallest LokSound decoder we have ever built. Thus, it should really be used in all vehicles of nominal sizes N and TT.

The LokSound 5 Nano DCC Decoder is a pure DCC decoder with open cable ends for free wiring and comes with an 11 x 15 mm "sugar cube" speaker along with sound capsule kit.

Introducing the ESU 58721 LokSound 5 Micro Direct NMRA DCC Sound Decoder - Atlas-InterMountain Type

The LokSound 5 Micro DCC Direct has been specially developed for installation in Spur N vehicles of the Atlas and Intermountain brands: it can be inserted directly instead of the analog board installed there as standard. However, the decoder can also be used for similar models from other manufacturers at your own discretion.

The LokSound 5 Micro DCC Direct with its dimensions of 66.0mm x 8.2mm is a pure DCC decoder and comes without a loudspeaker.

This new model replaces the former decoder model 73199.

Introducing the ESU 58731 LokSound 5 Micro Direct NMRA DCC Sound Decoder - Kato Japan Type

The LokSound 5 Micro DCC Direct Kato Japan has been specially developed for installation in Kato-branded track N vehicles: in many European and Japanese locomotives of this manufacturer, the decoder can be installed directly below the engine instead of the analog board installed as standard. Finally, these models can also be easily retrofitted with a LokSound Decoder.

The LokSound 5 Micro DCC Direct Kato Japan with its dimensions of 27.6mm x 14.1mm x 3mm is a pure DCC decoder and comes without a loudspeaker.

This new model is same footprint as the Kato EM13 model decoder.

Introducing the ALL NEW ESU 58741 LokSound 5 Micro Direct NMRA DCC Sound Decoder - Kato USA Type

The LokSound 5 Micro DCC Direct Kato USA has been specially developed for installation in track N vehicles of the Kato USA brand: Most diesel locomotives of this manufacturer are installed in the American model of these decoders instead of the analog board installed as standard. Finally, these models can also be easily retrofitted with a LokSound decoder.

The LokSound 5 Micro DCC Direct Kato USA with its dimensions of 60.0mm x 10.1mm is a pure DCC decoder and comes without a loudspeaker.

There are many Kato models this board will fit. We are aware of the two specific models noted previously. The first is an older style and uses standard 3.5mm round LED’s. This board type has been around since Kato released the C44-9W in the late 1990's. It is still in current usage today. The second is a later revision (possibly first used on the SD40-2 mid production) with surface mount LED’s.

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive nor without exception. Please review your project carefully to validate the application.

Introducing the ESU LokPilot 5 Basic NMRA DCC Decoder available in two interface options:

While LokPilot 5 Decoders can undoubtedly meet all imaginable requirements of even the most demanding experts, many model railway eras are looking for a robust, high-quality DCC decoder for your standard requirements, which should also be affordable.

The LokPilot 5 Basic was developed with the aim of offering a modern decoder with a reasonable range of functions at a reasonable price.

The LokPilot 5 Basic comes in two versions: In addition to a version with an 8-pin NEM interface, a version with 21MTC interface is also available. This makes the LokPilot 5 Basic particularly suitable for use in track H0 vehicles.

Introducing the ESU LokSound 5 FX Standard Multi-protocol (MM/DCC/SX) Function-Only Sound Decoder available in two interface options:

The LokSound 5 Fx is a special feature of the LokSound family: it has no output and is specially designed for use in control cars or drive heads, which require a sound but do not have a model drive themselves. By omitting the engine part, it can still offer all the sound features of the other LokSound 5 members on a size of only 21.5mm x 15.5mm.

LokSound 5 Fx decoders are offered with an 8-pole interface according to NEM652 or a 21MTC cutting point and always come with an 11 x 15 mm "sugar cube" loudspeaker and sound capsule kit.

Introducing eight new ESU LokPilot 5 FX Function-Only Decoders available in a variety of sizes and interface options:

The LokPilot 5 Fx is a function decoder without motor output and therefore perfect for installation in control cars or function models. He shares his flexible radio-onskey assignment and the manifold lighting effects with the other ESU LokPilot 5 Decoders.

Introducing three new ESU SwitchPilot 3 DCC Accessory Decoders.

Introducing the new ESU 54676 Smoke Unit Dual Mini (Exhaust + Cylinder) (Gauge 0) for LokSound XL.

Our smoke generator "Dual small" is suitable for vehicles of the nominal sizes gauge G, and 1 but also for smaller vehicles in gauge 0.

Introducing the new ESU 53950 LokSound and LokPilot L Pin Connector to Screw Terminal Adapter Board.

Introducing two new colors of the popular ESU 36AWG Decoder Wire.

Perfect for clubs, modulars, or workbenches, the Good Deals DCC "The Programmer" is a portable, durable, convenient testing and programming track. It is available in nearly every scale from N to O as well as combination scales for those who love trains of all sizes.

Custom designed units are also available.

And don't forget we carry a fantastic selection of DCC products from all of the

best manufacturers including:

Digitrax, DCC Specialties, Electronic Solutions Ulm (ESU), NCE, SoundTraxx, Tam Valley Depot, TCS, and ZIMO.

Visit SBS4DCC today!