More decoder upgrades. Once again these are locos that aren't likely to be an integral part of any layout I ever build, but I'm trying to bring all locos up to a minimum spec in the decoder & coupling areas. These Life-Like Proto 2000 E7 models have had Lenz LE104XF decoders fitted, which were taken from UK stock that had been upgraded. Version 4.5 of these chips has 128 step speed control and 3 functions, enabling the Mars lights to work as well as the normal headlights. The old version 4.1 chips that I removed from these locos only had 2 functions which meant the Mars lights were inoperative - I've since sold these decoders.
Many locos with higher quality mechanisms such as these will run really well with older DCC chips, it's just a matter of ensuring there are enough functions to operate any extra lights fitted.