Example 1: MX644D

Kit: Zimo MX644D, LS55X22X09-2W Dumbo, crew figures

Great model, this one being the ScotRail "Valiant"

Open it up to reveal a bunch of switches to control cab lighting, and to give some control to lighting configurations on DC. Ours was supplied as a DC/Analog model, so appeared to have some bodged moficiations compared to a DCC-fitted version.

Test-fit the MX644D and big Dumbo speaker - speaker fits neatly in by removing the 2 arm brackets.

Add a 470uF stay-alive capacitor - this model won't need much in the way of back-up power as it is quite heavy with good pickups.

Unclip the cab interiors to fit drivers

Remove the bodge wire (thin enamel copper-coloured wire) that bridges the AUX3+AUX4 pins to the halo light outputs. The halos won't work at all on DCC unless this is done.

Notice how the diodes (little black components) have been disconnected (sitting at funny angles)? This is part of that factory bodge for analog versions of the model.

Add our own bridge wire from the AUX3 pin direct to the front halo's resistor, which will give us full control of that halo. This simply bypasses the diode.

Add another bridge wire from the AUX4 pin direct to the rear halo's resistor, which will give us full control of that halo

Here are the results, showing control of the 3 LEDs at the front independently...

...and with the body back on we can see the effects of the halo - looks a bit like the angel eye headlights on a BMW!

NOTE: the rewiring shown here should only be required for the MX644D which has full-power outputs on FA3/FA4. If you use an MX644C then there should be no rewiring required at all, or see Example 2 for the MS440C version, which should also be plug-and-play.

Example 2: MS440C

Kit: MS440C; BoomBox40X20X10

Nothing much to show with the MS440C, as it is just plug-and-play. Switches in the positions shown.

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.