Example 1 - Graham Farish N Gauge Standard 5MT (Next18 2023 Version) - Simple Approach

Kit: MS590

The 2023 version of this 5MT model has been reworked to provide a Next18 DCC socket and an on-board MicroCube speaker, making it very easy to upgrade to DCC Sound with plug-and-play using an MS590. It has to be the smaller Next18 sound decoder as the longer MS580 does not fit the space.

2 screws are removed from the rear under the tender, then the body just lifts up and forward.

Here we see the blanking plate removed and the MS590 plugged into the socket.

Example 2 - Bigger Speaker and Stay-Alive

Kit: MS590, STACO2A kit, SugarCube7 speaker

While a simple plug-and-play using an MS590 is easy, the output from the on-board MicroCube is not terrribly high, and some stay-alive would be of great benefit, so we decide to gut the tender and use Zimo's excellent STACO2A kit to achieve this... this is a replacement Next18 PCB with STACO stay-alive components on board, allowing for a pair of mini GoldCaps to be wired in for a really excellent stay-alive.

We remove the original PCBs for Next18 socket and speaker, and flatten all the screw mounts and speaker enclosure in order to create as much space as possible.

We grind a little of the plastic in the body where the speaker will sit - this may not have been necessary, but always good to create maximum space.

The STACO2 PCB has any unnecessary lighting wires removed, and we wire pickups, motor and speaker in.

Speaker has to be rotated to fit across the tender, otherwise there isn't enough length in the body for the STACO PCB and the MS590 decoder plugged into it.

The 2 GoldCaps are wired in series and connected to the STACO board. They are wrapped in Kapton tape and stuck to the underside/front of the tender body. With wires carefully positioned to not pinch, the body should just fit back on.

Here the final model in all its' glory! The stay-alive works brilliantly - GoldCaps take a few seconds to charge up, but once charged they provide a couple of valuable seconds of backup time.

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.