PS-2 Upgrades not for the Faint of heart FINISHED

Here is the final product.  Finished it up today.  Did the conventional test, DCS and track optest.

The pictures show the wiring management.  Several issues that I ran into.  First the Veranda version with the walk way really reduces interior volume.  I had to go with a AAA battery because the shell has an over head restriction at that location.  It was just going to be too bulky in that area.

The other issue, and more critical is motor movement.  I had to go back and remove some of the tie wraps I was using to protect wiring around the motors.  The Black wrap was too thick and prevented the truck mount from rotating.  The trucks rotate independently, but they are mounted on a frame that also has to rotate.  The motor rotation is fine, but as the truck assembly tries to rotate it push the motor towards the shell.  With the thicker wire wrap it was preventing full rotation and would allow a truck to derail.  I think this is why the PS-2 5V version that came out did away with the walkway.  The additional 1/4" each side makes a lot of difference.

Finally got it and it ran and smoked great. The front unit opens into a large Vent so it has a different effect then the aft unit which comes out a small stack.

I also showed a picture of the front light spring contacts for the interior and markers.  You have to watch wires as the light bracket mounted to the frame has to go into the shell with out snagging wires.   Glad to have this one completed.   G

Glad to have this one completed.

I bet you are.  Very nice, neat work, George.

Very nice job. Way above my capabilities.

Great job George.  Glad I don't have anything with more than two motors.

GGG & Gunrunner: Thank you for the advice.  I think when I did  the upgrade I had to remove the Lionel bulbs completely and install the MTH LED's that came with the kit. Would have to take it apart to make sure. I was going to drill the lenses and install the LED inside just have not taken the time yet to do that. If that is possible.

I find sometimes with the 2mm ceramic LED's that MTH uses I need to rebuild their harness if I'm putting them in a tight spot.  They use heatshrink that's too bulky, I try to make the wiring coming out the back of the LED smaller than the 2mm diameter of the LED.  That allows me to snake them into places where the stock MTH markers/class lights won't normally fit.

This is awesome, I really need to have this done to my 3 UP PS turbines. Just makes since to have them under command control and I need to add a DCS system anyhow.

Great job!  REally enjoy seeing projects like this on the forum! 

George,  ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!  WOW!  I dont see how any smoke can escape with everything inside the cab.  The video is fantastic.

Just finished a second Upgrade, here are some updated photos of the interior of the engine for wire routing. Route the tach wires around the gear box so they don't interfere with shell or can be seen.   The smoke and light/markers are routed up through shell, but can be detached to release shell.  G