I had been working on this project off and on for several months. I had an Atlas O B unit that I was not using, so I removed all of it electrical components and transplanted them into the MTH DC-3. The only original components in the DC-3 are the motors. I only have a CAB2 and have no desire to purchase another remote so for me, if its not TMCC then I can't run it. That is why I set out to make this conversion.
Once I located and secured the components I went about making aesthetic improvements.
Ken from ERR was very helpful! I don't know what these engines sounded like but since I don't have any PAs I thought it would be fun to have those sound files flashed on the railsounds commander. Ken did that for me and helped me with info about the Commander Board. I had to step the voltage down to the various lights. That was a bit of a challenge. Well now I have a deeper understanding of Ohm's Law!
I body mounted the pilot and used Mario's kadee coupler pockets on the front and rear. I body mounted the stirrups, painted the interior and got rid of the Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee cab figures. Those had to be the most ridiculously proportioned cab figures ever! I prefer Artista figures but I could not find ones that fit well so I used Lionel figures.
While Ken and Mario were great, I was disappointed with MTH's parts department. I needed replacement LEDs for the markers but despite two voicemails and several emails I never heard back from them. Unfortunately this engine's schematic was not on their web page. I suppose I have been spoiled by Lionel's customer service.
All in all I am pleased with the outcome. Next I plan to make this a track cleaning car. I intend to mount track scrubbers on the detection trucks...not sure exactly how, but I will figure it out.
