Atlas U23B decoder installation, please help

[rockymidlandrr]

I am installing a decoder into a Atlas U23B, but im not real sure on plug and play decoders cause most of the installations i have done is to wire in the decoder.  But anyways, the locomotive runs on DCC, is programable, but the lights do not come on.  I dont know if it is my soldering of the decoder to the new 8 pin plug or the plug is turned around backwards.  I was looking for some help before i wrecked the decoder.  Thanks.

[locoi1sa]

  More than likely you fried the bulbs. If you plug the decoder backwards than the throttle will say forward but the loco goes in reverse.

[Gromitt]

Have you tried to turn the plug 180 degrees?  If you plug in a 8-pin plug the wrong way, the lights won't work.

 

/stefan 

[rockymidlandrr]

The bulbs are good, i didnt fry them.  I didnt know what would happen if you put a 8 pin plug on backwards but have always wondered.  But I will go see if turning the plug 180 does the trick if the locomotive is moving backwards.  One more thing though, I bought this U23B at a train show, and it is new, but the box did not have the front handrails and is missing a few grab irons.  What is the best way to replace those?  Thanks

[modelmaker51]

You should be able to order the handrail package directly from Atlas but you may have to settle for whatever color they have in stock and paint them to match. Try Faskolor or Tamiya paints for Lexan auto bodies (they stay flexible). http://www.atlasrr.com/hoparts.htm  btw, nothing will be shipped until after July 6 when they get back from vacation.

[Mark R.]

If you're an ebayer, check out the handrail sets in the ebay STORES. I've picked up numerous sets over the years in the exact colors I was looking for !!!

Mark. 

 

[rockymidlandrr]

Thanks yall for the help, i did have the decoder on backwards, and now everything works correctly.  Still working on the handrail sets, but for now the unit will remain a "B" unit, but at least its moving freight.