Bachmann OO 3F Jinty (Next18 Version)

Kit: MX658N18/MS580/MS581/MS581G; StickyGasket speaker 15x11mm; LifeLink with 2x 470uF Flat Tantalums

Bachmann's most recent model of the 3F Jinty provides a Next18 DCC socket instead, which makes installation of DCC Sound much easier. They also provide a custom plastic enclosure for a speaker, to which you simply need to stick a 15x11mm StickyGasket speaker onto.

Underneath the model's PCB you'll spot a couple of copper pads designed for a SugarCube speaker's spring clips to press against - you don't even have to solder anything to get DCC Sound!

Also on the underside of the PCB we discover solder pads for a stay-alive connection. We've added BLUE (POSITIVE) and GREY (GROUND) wires in preparation for this.

Our StickyGasket speaker simply sticks to the plastic moulded enclosure provided with the model.

Oriented the correct way around to make contact with the PCB pads, the speaker simply sits underneath and gains contact as we screw the PCB back down. A little BlackTack is useful underneath to help press it up to the PCB.

The PCB back in place here, and our stay-alive wires flying out the back, we check that sound and motion work OK before we add the stay-alive. The photos show an MX658 sound decoder, but more recent MS580, MS581 or even the MS581'G' will fit just as easily.

A YouChoos LifeLink stay-alive connection PCB is used, with a pair of 470uF Flat Tantalums. Covered in Kapton tape, and positioned on top of the decoder, that's all there is to it. Of course, if you used an MS581'G' decoder, then you can just connect up the pair of mini GoldCaps that come with the decoder for stay-aive - no need for additional kit in that case.

The pair of Tantalums is actually too long to fit in the boiler, so we have to angle the 2nd Tantalum downward at the boiler door. Luckily, the door removes easily.

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.