Example 1: Simple plug-in approach

Kit: MS480R; SugarCurve7

An easy plug-in approach to DCC sound in this beautiful 5MT uses an MS480R 8pin small decoder and just a SugarCurve7 speaker, both in the boiler.

Example 2: Bigger kit, hard-wired with stay-alive

Kit: MS450R; SugarCube24X15X07; MGOBLOCK; Nano firebox LED

The other end of the scale, we plan to fit an MS450 with a dual SugarCube speaker, big MGOBLOCK stay-alive, as well as a firebox glow light while we are at it! This approach requires hard-wiring, and a little modification for the stay-alive. Various options are considered, but we opt for removal of the metal weight so that a dual 7mm SugarCube speaker can be slotted into that location instead. The big MGOBLOCK stay-alive will more than make up for the reduction in weight.

We test-fit the speaker and stay-alive first - no problem with the speaker, but a minor hack will be required for the MGOBLOCK to slot down.

A little grinding where the 8pin DCC socket was will provide enough space for the MGOBLOCK to sit nicely down.

With the modifications made, we set about wiring up. Our MS450 has its' sleeve removed, and we take off all of the unwanted lighting wires (keeping common positive blue and FA1 green for the firebox light). The decoder, speaker and stay-alive are wrapped in Kapton tape to avoice short-circuits.

Test run proves all this works well.

For the firebox glow, we drill a hole through from the cab and feed a nano orange SMD LED through, carefully routing the wiring up into the body, and remembering to add a protective resistor on the common side (blue wire), before joining up to the decoder.

Final touches - crew and coal load.

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.