Upgrading a 3rd rail PRR N1

Can't help you with the smoke but the ERRCo upgrade is easy.

Here's what I did:

• Kept the 4 pin tether for motor and track power connections.
• Left the headlight and regulator circuit intact for constant headlight power (no CAB-1 control). 
• Pulled smoke unit.
• At the time I used DD's RS4 setup when they were available with Lionel PRR J1a sounds. I would suggest buying an Atlantic RS m/b and whatever sounds (with power supply) you prefer from Lionel CS directly now that DD is no longer around. I used the PRR #1111 sounds for a couple of my Weaver TMCC upgrades.
• Pulled markers on tender and connected a 14V bulb for reverse light.
• Fabricated a bracket for the electrocoupler but if I were to do it again I'd just hang a Kadee #805 (grabs Lionel knuckles very reliably).

• Made the tender shell the antenna by isolating it from the frame. I wrapped the edges of the tender frame with electrical tape. I drilled and tapped the shell for #4-40 nylon screws.
• I installed two magnets on a tender wheel with a reed switch for the chuff. It gets me close enough to 4 per driver rev.

This engine has a 28:1 gear ratio and is a super runner. It is also very reliable. I have some photos and video of it on my blog and yootube accounts. It also just starred in Hirail 4....

Here's an old set of vids, circa 2009:

Norm,

I love what you did to your engine.  Thanks for the detail on your work.

Question: why did you pull the smoke unit?  Did you need the room for the new boards?

Ron

Ron, I pulled the smoke units on all my brass engine projects because I don't like what the oil does to my weathering jobs. The only engine that I will run the smoke in is my Legacy K4 even though it's weathered.