My opinion is if I have a good running loco, I don't replace the motor or gear boxes etc. I have a number of KTM locos from both MG and USH. The MG ones generally run a little slow, and I have replaced motors in them. However, I have not replaced motors in the USH locos. They run fine, and once broken in, are very quiet and smooth. The "newer" KTM motors in them are really quite nice.
I check the amperage and generally it is under 2 amps running. the exceptions are very loads and very large engines/motors which might draw 3 amps or a bit more under load.
these currents are not a problem with straight DC. When I used straight DC, I had 6 amp GML throttles that easily handled that. Now with DCC, I can find any number of decoders that are rated at 4 amps or more including sound ones from SounTRaxx. My favorite for motor control without sound is the NCE D408SR. It is rated for amps continuous and the newest release is rated 10 amps stall.
I am not familiar with DCS but I would think if they want to be in the model RR business they would offer a range of decoders for a range of loco requirements.
