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 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). 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. Here are the red 0402 LEDs bonded in place (I used Bondic - a UV cure adhesive, for quick setting).
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 The upper housing gets two 0402 LEDs, one red and one warm white, for the bi-color Gyralights 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. All that is left is connecting the shell and lighting wires to the board.
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