OK, so I don’t always hear a question like that, but I have to say, I’m rather proud of some of the installations that I’ve done. Some of whom are harder than others, but it is always nice to be able to say I put a piece of myself into that locomotive.
Standard decoder installations usually aren’t that tough. Most people think decoder installations are this big ugly thing they need to avoid all costs. I figured out how to install decoders, and taught myself to solder at the same time. Now there is a skill that I have put to good use.
Sound decoder installations are much more of a challenge. I discovered high bass speakers about a year ago, and I have decided that if there’s any way at all possible to install one of these in my locomotive, I will do it. The extra bass adds so much more to the sound of the locomotive that I feel it is really worth the extra work to fit the bigger speaker inside. Of course, some locomotives are easier than others. Steam locomotives, with their large tenders, usually have plenty of room for a large speaker. Diesel locomotives can be considerably tighter.
This page, and the ones that link to it, are photographic explanations of how long have installed decoders in various locomotives, both for myself and for other people. Hopefully you’ll be able to follow what I’ve done if you have one of these locomotives yourself.
