Example 1 - Easy Install

Kit: MX649R; IceCube18X13X06-1W

Excellent model again from Hornby, the Star has all the DCC fixtures in the tender.

We'll start with the easy approach, which is to use a small sound decoder (MX649R), plugged into the 8pin socket, and a low-profile IceCube speaker - no modifications required to the model at all.

The MX649 fits snuggly along the base between the plastic runners, with IceCube speaker on top.

If you didn't mind a little cutting of the plastic above, a higher-profile single IceCube would go in without too much work - 8mm or 8mm would give a marked improvement over the 6mm version pictured here.

Example 2 - better decoder, speaker, and big stay-alive

Kit: MX645; IceCube28X18X08-2W; SuperCap17000uF

A better result can be achieved by using bigger kit, but this of course requires some changes - the decoder needs to be hard-wired in order to fit the SuperCap at the rear, and the plastic under the coal load needs more shopping to get the MX645 in, and a really decent dual IceCube 28X18X08-2W speaker.

We've de-cloaked the MX645, removed unnecessary lighting wires, and re-covered it in Kapton tape. We also had to shave a little off the plastic turrets for the tender body screw fixings so that the decoder can slide in between them.

The metal weight has been cut a little to allow the wires to feed through and up, and the dual IceCube speaker is positions centrally, facing up out of a new rectangular hole under the coal load.

Once all is tested, we can rebuild a new coal load... in this case we used part of the original moulding, but added BlackTack toward the front, so the overall load sits a little higher. Finally, this load is carefully covered with UHU glue and crushed coal added.

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.