Example 1: Sound only

Kit: MX648; SugarCube7

Bachmann OO LB&SCR E4 0-6-2 Tank... a very pretty model that can take a Zimo MX648 decoder and SugarCube7 speaker, just about squeezing decoder and speaker in the boiler, with hard-wiring and a minor chassis modification.

It is possbile to install a 6pin version of the MX648 without any modification, but the speaker will then have to sit in the cab. Our example here makes space for everything in the boiler...

Remove the 6pin DCC socket board and the resistors across the motor. Grind the nugget of metal flat at the very front of the chassis (this is where the speaker will sit)

Drill open the base of the chimney so there is somewhere prominent for sound to escape. The speaker goes enclosure down, which removes any chance of a short-circuit with the chassis. The MX648 sits behind it in the boiler. Connect red+black pickup wires and orange+grey motor wires.

Photos courtesy of Richard Allen.

Example 2: Decoder and speaker in boiler, and added lighting

Here is a more complete photo guide of an install done by YouChoos...

Example 3: Small stay-alive tucked into bunker

The E4 is quite light-weight, so we decided to add a little stay-alive into another example... not easy to create space, but with some milling of channels and drilling up into the bunker, we have a LifeLink stay-alive connection PCB with an array of Tantalums.

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.