Example 1: Rapido GWR 15XX with MS Sound and STACO3A Stay-Alive

Kit: MS590/591, STACO3A stay-alive kit

Another beautiful model from Rapido, very heavy and good detail.

Remove the water tank tops to reveal the body-retaining screws.

A nice neat compact design with Next18 DCC socket is inside, and the model comes with a factory-fit small cube speaker in the bunker, similar to the 16XX model.

We initially try an MS580, but this is about 1mm too long and overhangs the back of the board, so the body won't go back on with this option.

The little MS590 is no problem though.

There is just enough space to fit a STACO3A kit using a pair of mini GoldCaps for stay-alive. The GoldCaps are connected in series, but have to be done using some short wire lengths, as they will sit either side of the PCB.

Once we are happy with the wire length and position of everything, we protect the STACO PCB and the GoldCaps with Kapton tape and secure them into place with a little more tape. We've put the STACO PCB just under the end of the decoder, centrally.

Test, and then refit body - all goes on as it should.

However, like the 16XX model, the factory-fit speaker is 'ok' but not brilliant, so we go about upgrading it.

After some experimentation, we eventually opt for an IceCube18X13X07. Some modification is required to get this in, but the effort is worthwhile.

Example 2: Bigger stay-alive (STACO1)

Kit: MS591; STACO1; IceCube18X13X07

We connect up the STACO1 kit, with all 3 GoldCaps and attach appropriate wires to the MS591 decoder for this (Ground and Common Positive).

The decoder is plugged in, and the stay-alive wires are routed underneath the metal chassis top to the front of the loco, as the STACO1 kit will go behind the boiler door.

We also change the factory speaker for an IceCube to improve the sound too.

Please note that these guides are provided as useful resources for you, as-is. YouChoos cannot be held responsible for errors in the information, or for any damage caused to your models or equipment if you choose to follow any of the steps detailed here.