Wiring N scale SW9 for DCC per MR's August column--HELP!!!

[n2mopac]

Oh please. Someone give me a hand here!

Ron

[n2mopac]

Ok, folks, help me out here. I am making my first real jump into DCC as I am building my new layout in N scale. I have only 2 locomotives that are making the transition from my old layout--an Atlas GP40-2 and a Life-Like SW9. I had just purchased Digitrax decoders for these when MR's August issue arrived. WHAT LUCK--the DCC Corner column gave a complete step-by-step on installing decoders in these exact locomotives. The Geep went great as it was a simple plug-and-play operation--no worries. The SW9 seemed to go well--I isolated the motor from the frame as per the article, using small ends cut from the origional pick ups as contacts to the frame. I placed the loco on my programming track and cranked up my new MRC Prodigy Adnance system. I was able to read the CV's there and reprogrammed the address perfectly.

Then I moved the loco to the main. I called up the address, but as soon as I applied power to the loco I heard a tiny "pop" from inside the loco. I immediately took it from the track and when I opened the shell the decoders insulation seemed to be partially melted around the grey wire. Obviously there is some sort of a short, but where is it likely to be? I cannot see it. Fortunately Digitrax will repair this for $17, but I do not want a repeat performance. Any helpful ideas or suggestions?

Ron