Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA
Usually I put a decoder in the top of the shell of these Atlas Kato C-424 or 425s under the light bars. This is the ninth C-424 in the roster now, and I decided to economize with a left-over old Lenz decoder.
Because it is smaller than the decoder I used before, I thought I would challenge myself to the smallest install possible right on top of the old lightboard.
I like to replace the single bulb in these with two LEDs and so....this is how it now looks.
Old hands not too shaky yet for some close-in soldering with the old Weller iron.
I like to melt the plastic around the motor contact strips on these to hold them in place when cut free from the contacts on the board. Hence the melted look on the side there.
Profile low enough.
Need to melt the light bars back a bit to accommodate the two LEDs in place of the original central bulb. Soldering iron makes the best clear edge on the bars rather than trying to cut and polish it.
Ta-Da! It runs very well.