Example 1: Zimo MX - compact older kit

Kit: MX648; SugarCube9

Brief photo mini-guide of a Bachmann OO Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 tender loco, adding DCC sound using a Zimo MX648 and SugarCube speakear...

Example 2: Zimo MS - easy plug-in approach

Kit: MS480R; SugarStrand8

Bachmann's 4MT 2-6-0 is a nice model, but quite tight on space. No tender pickups, so relies on being a heavy locomotive.

Let's do a simple DCC Sound installation to begin with - just plugging in an MS480R and slotting this with a Strand8 speaker up in the boiler - just fits by sliding in.

Example 3: Bigger MS kit, hard-wired, with stay-alive

Kit: MS450R; Lurve8; MGOBLOCK

To get the bigger decoder in, and stay-alive, we must remove the 8pin DCC socket to hard-wire.

A quick test-fit before we begin proves that the MS450 adn Lurve8 speaker will just slot into the boiler. It is tight though.

We therefore decide to remove the sleeve from the decoder, take off all unwanted lighting wires, and re-cover in Kapton tape. This makes wiring simpler, neater, and more compact.

The decoder and speaker are attached together bound with a little Kapton tape... just keeps them aligned properly as they are slotted into the boiler.

The MGOBLOCK is a compact stay-alive of 6 mini GoldCaps ind a handy block arrangement. This will sit where the DCC socket used to be in the model. It might help to grind one of the screw pillars down on the chassis a little, but it goes in anyway. The MGOBLOCK gives amazing backup time, so well worth the effort, and the dual-driver Lurve speaker is a big improvement over any single-driver 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.