Thoughts / Opinions on Command Install

[luther_stanton]

I purchased a Williams NW2 as a candidate for a command upgrade.  I did this before ordering the Command / RailSounds upgrades from Digital Dynamics.  When I ordered the electronics, Digital Dynamics said that it would be a really tight fit and I would probably need to be pretty creative.  He was not kidding.

I can see no way to make it fit; there is just not enough room.  I found one possible combination, but with the hood tapering right in front of the cab, the shell will not go back on.

So, I have come up with two options. 

1.  Remove one of the motors as the Williams NW2 has 2 can motors - 1 vertically mounted in each truck.  Removing the motor will give me more than enough room.  Any thoughts, if I go this route as to what will happen to pulling power?  I really never see more than 10 modern era cars in one train.  Is there any difference between leaving the front or rear truck motor?

2.  My other option, since the command receiver and the railsounds boards are physically separate, is to mount the command electronics in a “dedicated” box car that is tethered to the NW2 with the necessary wiring.  This would also give me all the room needed in the engine.  In this scenario, I would be limiting where I could park the switcher (on sidings, etc) since I am already cramped for yard / siding space and effectively marrying the car and engine (although marriage has been pretty good to me ).

Either approach is non destructive and could be easily undone / switched to the other approach.  I am just curious to hear thoughts on either / both directions or other options.

- Luther 

[chuck]

Which command board did you buy?  Also, where did you plan on putting the speaker for the sounds?

[luther_stanton]

Chuck,

I will use the existing speaker in the NW2 (rectangular speaker in the fuel tank) if I go with the motor removal - otherwise the kit came with a larger speaker that will fit nicely in the box car.

The kit was the DX-D64 AC/DC DLX - DC MOtor w/Rail Sounds.

Thanks,
Luther

[chuck]

The controller board looks like it "should" fit between the motors.  I don't have a Williams NW2,
but I do have a Lionel and the overall dimensions seem similar.  I've had to strip all older mounting components when switching the electronics from some units and then custom building my own new brackets.

[ChiefEagles]

I've squeezed the big boards into a U36B and that is tight.  In my GP9's, I used DD's mini commanders and I have plenty of room.  Now the GP9's have the two small can motors in the trucks [MPC].  If they can stand the amp pull, mini commanders should work.  Removing a motor will work.  I am sure one Williams motor will pull a lot of cars.  Keep us informed.  I had been thinking about buying the Williams switcher in NS and doing the same.     

[jimhaleyscomet]

If I removed a motor I would remove the "front" one.   I had a one motored engine and it seemed to work better "pushing" than  "pulling".

Jim H