Latest addition: Kato Western Pacific F3A/B set, #801. Added ESU LokSound decoders and WVD adapters from Bryan at SBS4DCC, OWS 11x15mm 8Ohm speakers (DigiKey), and the F3 sound file from ESU. Both of the units were modified internally- the A unit has a custom 3D 2.5mm deep speaker box that acts as the rear bearing retainer clip, the B unit has a slightly thinner, 2mm flat backcase that sits on the gray retainer clip in the rear. I has to file down the tabs on the "windows" in the rear in both units, and clip off the little pins that are on the rear of the roof of the shell. The rear retainer clip in the B unit was flattened and thinned so the speaker has an extra ~1mm in height. All of the rail feed wires are soldered to the underside of the WVD boards, then to the bronze truck towers after removing about 2.5mm of the tower riser metal. I did not use the long, bronze, contact springs. The openings in the gray retainer clips are rectangular, not curved, so there is plenty of clearance for the feed wire solder joint and the wires. I filled the number boards with Gallery Glass clear. I used an off-white 3mm LED for the front light and no rear light. No lights in the B unit.
If I get to it, I will shoot some more pictures. I have some new decal film paper coming, so I may make numbers for the number boards, and for the carbodies.
I matched the speeds with my usual "race them together" process. I matched the B unit in two adjustments (lucky, I would say). Same with the sounds- just put them both on the programming track and make adjustments together. I do not run consists, just make the long addresses the same so they respond together.
Now to get the Kato California Zephyr cars...
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
