ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato N-Scale E8A

RBrodzinsky Dec 16, 2017

  1. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    I just completed an install ESU decoders into a Kato N-scale E8 A-B-A consist; LokSound Select Micros in the A unit, and a LokPilot v4.0 Micro into the B. The consist is ATSF #84, #84B and #86. Here's a short video showing off the lighting and sound




    There isn't anything really remarkable about this install, except for the small modification I did to the shells of the A units. In looking at older photos of these units, I realized that the small plastic bumps one sees on the shells are really marker lights (maybe some of you knew this, but I didn't). For example

    SantaFe E8A F7A from 1950s.jpg
    I also like this photo (from the mid 50's) since it shows that the E8As didn't always have the plethora of grab irons and other details added (so I've declared that my units are also mid-50's).

    This photo shows my two A unit shells, with the marker holes for #86 drilled. I first used a #80 bit, to try to get the cleanest hole I could through the nub. Then I expanded it with a #73 (about 4 scale inches).

    IMG_0823.JPG
    From the interior of the shell, I widen the hole just a bit (and not all the way through), to allow an 0402 LED to sit into it. To do this I use a #61 bit.

    To access all of this, one must, of course, remove the cab detail insert. This just pops off, after the coupler is removed.
    IMG_0824.JPG

    Here are the red 0402 LEDs bonded in place (I used Bondic - a UV cure adhesive, for quick setting).
    IMG_0826.JPG
     
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  2. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    After the LEDs are installed, I use a bit more Bondic to provide strain relief for the magnet wires, and then paint with flat black craft acrylic as a light block

    IMG_0827.JPG
    The upper housing gets two 0402 LEDs, one red and one warm white, for the bi-color Gyralights

    IMG_0828.JPG

    And here we see the two chassis with decoders, speakers (Soberton 1208, with Keystone Details enclosure) and 3 150uF 20V Ta caps for keep alive. My small light board, with resistors can be seen.
    IMG_0829.JPG
    All that is left is connecting the shell and lighting wires to the board.

    IMG_0837.JPG
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2017
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  3. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    The red marker lights

    IMG_0838.JPG
    Headlamp
    IMG_0839.JPG

    White Gyralight on
    IMG_0840.JPG
    and red Gyralight on
    IMG_0841.JPG
     
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  4. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    The consist got out of the shops, and headed to the JACALAR. I was able to catch up with it while they were pulling through the underground station
     
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  5. Doorgunnerjgs

    Doorgunnerjgs TrainBoard Member

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  6. woodone

    woodone TrainBoard Member

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    Nice Rick! What would we do without Bondic?
     
  7. urodoji

    urodoji TrainBoard Member

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    Nicely done. I’ve been using E6000 for LEDs.
     

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