Author Topic: ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado  (Read 2289 times)

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RBrodzinsky

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ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
« on: February 17, 2018, 11:05:33 PM »
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About 2 years ago, I did my first LokSound install into a Kato 2-8-2 Mikado, SP #3304.  At the time, I also acquired 4 basically brand new Mikados, bringing my total to 9.  But then I got busy with many other projects, and the 4 new Mikes sat in a drawer.  Here is a video I did back then of the 4 (yes, I know the tender on the NKP derailed) and of 3304


Well, I finally got around to them over the last week.  This video (it is 7 minutes long, but is basically the same thing repeated for each of the four) shows the final results of the install.  You can also see the other 5 Mikados watching the "newcomers".


For the basic installation process, I followed the procedures detailed by the late PowerSteamGuy1790 (Bob Ellis Chodroff). Since that entails taking everything but the drivers apart, I used the opportunity to do a nice weathering on each.  To give an example of the weathering (done with Bragdon Weathering Powders), here is WP #310 weathered, with unweathered WP #307 for comparison

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After getting #310 done (except the addition of the detailed parts)  I took the other 3 apart

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Wires (5 in total - red/black, orange/grey, white) were run from the light/power board and motor through the cab, all the loco parts were weathered and reassembled, and we were ready for decoder install

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Each loco has a Soberton 8x12mm speaker (in KeyStone Details enclosure) in the tender, along with 3 20V 150uF caps.  On all but #310 I replaced the LED with a warm white (rather than the orange).  Basically, I goofed on 310 and forgot, but instead I claim it is still an older oil lamp, versus electric.
Rick Brodzinsky
Chief Engineer - JACALAR Railroad
Silicon Valley FreeMo-N

RBrodzinsky

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2018, 11:13:54 PM »
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After getting the decoders installed, I put the detailed parts onto all 4

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Today, the "new" fleet got to join the 5 older ones on the JACALAR for group photos (sorry for the glare, but the sun was shining off the back windows of the house right into the shed)

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If anyone wants/needs detailed instructions on how to take one of these apart, I can provide PSG1790's page.  Many folks claim the 2-8-2 is "the most difficult" DCC install.  Far from it, just not something to rush.
Rick Brodzinsky
Chief Engineer - JACALAR Railroad
Silicon Valley FreeMo-N

tehachapifan

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2018, 11:41:55 PM »
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Awesome! I'm REALLY TRYING HARD to not get bitten by the steam bug and this is certainly not helping! ;) So far so good, but I figure it will eventually happen as I've already have a pretty bad case of diesel backdatitis. :facepalm:

RBrodzinsky

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2018, 08:01:36 PM »
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Well, the Mikado bug clearly really hit me hard. I converted two more (so now 7 of 9 for you Star Trek Voyager fans) are done.  One more to do, but not right away, and one will stay silent.  The two new ones, this week, are SP #3302 and #3303, joining previously completed 3304

Took the three of them for a spin around the JACALAR (caution - 8 minute video)

Rick Brodzinsky
Chief Engineer - JACALAR Railroad
Silicon Valley FreeMo-N

Lemosteam

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2018, 09:47:00 PM »
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@RBrodzinsky , Stunning.  Do you happen to have a shot of the install without the tender shell installed?  Is everything on the tender chassis or mounted inside the shell?

RBrodzinsky

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2018, 10:13:14 PM »
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@RBrodzinsky , Stunning.  Do you happen to have a shot of the install without the tender shell installed?  Is everything on the tender chassis or mounted inside the shell?

Thanks, I guess the answer is “yes” LOL. I use simple double sided tape to stick the capacitor package and decoder to the upper side of the tender shell, then place the speaker in front of them, under the coal load. The wires from the loco come in under the speaker, and all the components basically sit on them, just above the plastic weight shield. Before I invert the shell onto the tender chassis, I also put some Kapton tape along the whole mess, mostly to hold in place while I fit the shell down.

Didn’t take any photos of it, sorry.
Rick Brodzinsky
Chief Engineer - JACALAR Railroad
Silicon Valley FreeMo-N

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Install in Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2018, 10:25:21 PM »
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That works thanks!