Nexus from Ellis Clark Trains is the groundbreaking decoder that brings dual-channel digital sound to model railways for the first time.
Trains are many things. Nostalgia, romance, adventure…a journey. But most of all, trains are the sounds they make: A song of air, steam and metal formed within the many parts of their living, breathing bodies.
While conventional sound decoders can reproduce multiple sounds simultaneously, they do this using a single channel. So the speakers within a model – however many there are – play the same sounds at the same time. This is known as mono sound and is where the illusion of reality starts to fade.
This revolutionary new range of DCC Sound Decoders will be used in Ellis Clark's upcoming OO Gauge WD Austerity 2-10-0 and OO/ O Gauge L&YR "Pug" 0-4-0ST steam locomotives - and in the future the decoders will be available to purchase separately for other products too.
Get a first look at our Shop EVENT!
Get an EXCLUSIVE first look at this revolutionary new system at our upcoming Ellis Clark Trains Showcase Event at our Flagship Chesterfield Road shop in July!
We're welcoming along the team from Ellis Clark Trains/ Clark Railworks to showcase their latest product samples - and as part of this they'll be giving you an exclusive early look at how the Nexus decoders work in some of their upcoming product samples. This is a must-see!
ELLIS CLARK SHOWCASE EVENT
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th July 2026 (9am to 5pm)
Rails of Sheffield Chesterfield Road Flagship (S8 0RL)
Pre-Order Sound Fitted OO Gauge 'Austerity' LOcos
Pre-Order Sound Fitted OO/ O Gauge L&YR Pugs
Technical Specifications
Nexus 4518 ‘Medium’ Decoder
| Dimensions | 45mm x 18mm |
| Operating mode | DC & DCC |
| Sound memory | 256 Mbit |
| Continuous motor current | 2A |
| Peak current | 3.5A |
| Normal function outputs | 8 (200mA per output) |
| Logic level outputs | 4 |
| Servo outputs | 2 |
| Stay-alive support | Onboard charging circuit for 2-4 supercapacitors (adjustable via CV) |
| Low voltage outputs | 2 (5V/9V) |
| Switch inputs | 2 |
| Audio channel outputs | 2 (4-16ohm per channel) |
| Audio power | 2 x 5W for 10W total via multiple speakers |
Nexus 2112 ‘Small’ Decoder
| Dimensions | 21mm x 12mm |
| Operating mode | DC & DCC |
| Sound memory | 256 Mbit |
| Continuous motor current | 0.8A |
| Peak current | 1.5A |
| Normal function outputs | 4 (120mA per output) |
| Logic level outputs | 2 |
| Stay-alive support | Yes, via external charging circuit |
| Audio channel outputs | 2 (4-16ohm per channel) |
| Audio power | 2 x 3W for 6W total via multiple speakers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Nexus?
Nexus is a DCC sound decoder. Unlike current decoders, Nexus produces independent dual-channel sound (via the model’s speakers), using specially coded sound files. This creates an immersive ‘spatial’ listening experience – as in the real world – where sounds appear to originate from more than one point. Nexus also enables enhanced lighting features and motor control.
Who designed it?
Ellis Clark have partnered with an award-winning UK electronics consultancy to work with our own experts in designing and testing Nexus hardware to our demanding specifications. Nexus decoders will be manufactured in the UK.
What type of control system does Nexus require?
Nexus is compatible with all modern DCC systems.
Which Ellis Clark models will feature Nexus Sound?
Nexus will be fitted to all planned DCC sound-equipped models produced by Ellis Clark Trains and Clark Railworks, beginning with the OO Gauge WD Austerity 2-10-0s and closely followed by our O and OO Gauge Pugs.
When will it be available?
Nexus will debut in sound-fitted versions of the Ellis Clark/ Clark Railworks OO Gauge WD Austerity 2-10-0 engines, available autumn 2026. Nexus decoders will be available to manufacturers from spring 2027 (Medium) and summer/autumn 2027 (Small).
How much will Nexus cost?
Nexus-fitted WD Austerity 2-10-0s will retail at £415, as will O Gauge Pugs. OO Gauge Pugs with Nexus on board will be £260.
How can Nexus decoders be programmed?
A free Graphical User Interface (GUI) will be available to manufacturers from mid-2027. Our digital team will provide support, advice and ‘how to’ guides with any order.
Will Nexus fit into TT Gauge models?
Yes, the Nexus Small decoder is designed for smaller OO Gauge models as well as most tender (and diesel) engines in TT:120 scale.
What are the future plans for Nexus?
Ellis Clark has made a significant financial investment in Nexus, which has been in development for over three years. They believe Nexus represents the future for digital sound-fitted models and are fully committed to its production and expansion. They aim to introduce further Nexus products and to continue to enhance the capabilities of the range.