TMCC upgrade to a brass loco

Isolate the tender shell from its frame (Kapton tape, nylon screws), then use the shell as the antenna

You have basically two choices on the antenna. If the tender has a coal load you can run an insulated wire into the coal load and cover it up with more coal. Or you can put a layer of thin insulating tape around the frame where it touches the tender body and replace the metal screws with nylon screws. Then attach the antenna wire to the tender body and whole body becomes the antenna. I have done it both ways and they both work.

Pete

I had the same thing done to my Weaver Brass LV John Wilkes recently. Check out that post in my profile as it has info on isolation of the tender and all that.

 I'm guessing this is the USRA version. I recently did this engine after it sat under the layout for years. I went with the Cruise Lite board and also added sound. Worked fine from what I remember when it was on the layout. When I was done with the install. I set it up on my roller base on the workbench. Didn't really want to run. After looking at the engine I saw the issue. It has 4 traction tires with blind centers. Really not a lot going on with making a good connection to the outside rails. I ended up adding a phosphor bronze wiper on a tender axle. While I was there. I added another pickup roller using an Atlas caboose roller. The best running small steamer I've seen. Is Lionel's new 0-6-0. After this was done. It's pretty close. This engine navigates every turnout at a crawl.