Help Help Help with decoders!!!!

[Anonymous]

How do I install a decoder in a Rivarossi Big Boy and in the proto 2000 e8. Also, the mars lights in the proto 2000?????

[wjstix]

How do I install a decoder in a Rivarossi Big Boy and in the proto 2000 e8. Also, the mars lights in the proto 2000?????

The more recent Proto engines have an eight-pin decoder plug for a "plug and play" decoder. The older ones you might have to do a hardwire installation, but it's pretty straightforward.

I guess there is a way to get the Mars lights to flash like they do under DC, on mine I just use two bulbs, one for the lower headlight and one for the upper with a decoder setting for a Mars light. I set the decoder so IIRC F0 turns the lower headlight on and I think F4 turns the upper Mars light on.

[cacole]

I have one of the old Rivarossi Big Boy locomotives, and I put a TCS T-1 decoder into the boiler by removing it according to the instructions that came with the engine, and soldering the wires.  There are only 4 wires involved, so it's not too difficult to figure out.