Bachmann OO LMS Hughes Crab with Zimo Sound and Stay-Alive

Kit: MX648; SugarCube9; LifeLink with 17000uF SuperCap; Firebox Glow SMD LED

Like so many of the loco-fit Bachmann steam models, the Crab could benefit from a big stay-alive to aid with running, as there are no tender pickups. To do it we have to cram things in a little, but it isn't too difficult...

The metal weight in the boiler has to go, but the big SuperCap will easily make up for this in terms of pickup reliability - just a bit of traction lost.

This is where the SuperCap will eventually sit...

MX648 shown wrapped in Kapton tape here, red + black to pickups, orange + grey to motor, purples to the SugarCube speaker, and blue + ground wire added for stay-alive (via our LifeLink board).

Note SuperCap is also completely wrapped in Kapton, as the case of this capacitor is also its' ground connection, so much not come into contact with the chassis!

SugarCube9 speaker tucks up in the boiler.

All finished here, with our 3D Printed YouChoos crew and custom weathering

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.