NYC H-10B 2-8-2 decoder install.
Decided to install a decoder in this engine as it appeals to me with all it's detail, especially all the piping on the boiler. This engine was painted by the previous owner and did a nice job on it.
Phase I: disassembly, drilling and LED's installed.
Love all that piping. Originally, no lights on the engine.
Engine number 73 of 250, made in 1980.
Original can motor with an unusual open frame gear box, though it runs quiet.
Usual procedure for brass: engine has one screw up front and two in the back and tender has 4 screws securing base to tender top.
LED prep: #45 drill bit used for all LED's. Bought online from home depot, package of 10.
Classification lights drilled out. Sometimes the support is pretty weak so care has to be taken when drilling out the lights. I put a popcicle stick under the light to support it. I always use a new bit and add oil frequently: about 5 times on these to clean out debris and add oil. After sides are drilled out, then the front lens is drilled out.
Classification light side view.
The headlight drilled out plus two access holes drilled under the feed water heater to route LED wires.
Running board light access holes. Just over the valve gears. Lead weight removed.
Rectangular hole for 8 wires from tender to engine.
Scalecoat loco black (dries dull) used to touch up all the exposed brass. Inside of holes need painting too to insulate contact with any exposed wires on the LED's. Paint jar always has a 'retainer' so I don't knock it over!
The LED's (0402) are extremely small. They measure about the size of a scale light bulb of 3-4 inches.
Green in the classification (marker) lights and white in the headlight. Sealed with canopy glue and lighted to insure proper location. I put green on all my classification lights as it looks cool (at least to me, it does).
Cab light.
Running board lights.
Tender light.
Trailing truck is even sprung.
