The only thing that would be easier is if you found one of the power chassis that Bowser made - basically the chassis with motor and the decoder already installed, just swap your shell on the new chassis. I have one of those, but they've since discontinued them and repalced them with the kits. Actually, I have two of them, on for an F7, and the other for a DS4-4-1000 switcher. The little switchers needs some of the frame milled out (although I see they offer a frame trade-in for $7 - probably worth it unless you have a milling machine), but the F units it is a direct drop in. You might find the sound chassis at ModelTrainStuff or other dealer, or perhaps on ebay. Or not - I just looked on ModelTrainStuff, they have 1 VO1000 chassis in stock. Significantly more expensive. They do have the F unit kits.
No connections to them, just a multi-time very satisfied customer. They are relatively close to me, so my orders with standard shipping get here in a day or two, which is nice.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
thanks that's the one I was considering but wasn't quite sure, much appreciated..
Bowser sells complete refit kits that include the decoder and speaker, easy install (the instructions are on this page): http://www.bowser-trains.com/history/pschassis.html
That's the EASIEST way. And with arguably the best sound decoder, too.
Ranger,
I would go with either a Loksound Select or a TCS DieselWOW decoder. The wonderful motor-control will really accentuate the Canon/Buehler motors of the Stewarts.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Not new but returning, I got NCE and Bachmann Easy Command, played with JMRI, so got some experience, but things have changed in about 8 years and what I'm looking for is advice on a sound decoder for a Stwart HO F7-A Eary Western Maryland Unit a simple 8 pin drop in decoder, I know I may have to remove the fuel tank for the speaker install, no problem with that...but a simple drop in sound decoder suggestion with no downloading needed...