Ah, but Mark can probably 'borrow' stock for 'long term testing'..
The LGB upgrade kit is fine if you are analogue.. Comprises a motor block, and two sets of bulbs (with holder) to slot into the 'front' of each unit.. These are wired to the push-fit crimps you get with Massoth decoders to fit the pins on the motor-block(s). - The original motor-block on the (new) ICE III I have hear has ferrite slugs wired between pickup and motor connections (remember this is originally analogue).
The bogie/carrier is a little 'springy', and a good thump and the piece holding the motor-block in place falls out.. I will have to have a look at that later!
On this (as new) unit the bogie moulding was, what I consider, the wrong way round. - Wires at the back, not adjacent to the cut-out in the chassis. The instruction leaflet suggests having all wiring under the chassis, and the bulb/holder pushed up the hole just to the rear of the clip it fits in. However, by removing the four small screws in the rear body section, you can push all the excess wire up through the slot in the chassis above the motor connections. There is a small recess to allow the lighting wires to pass through from the main part of the body. - Necessary if you are (like me) fitting a decoder and will need a wiring harness between the cars.
It will be necessary to drill holes in the cylindrical 'towers' on the cars to allow the wiring to pass from car to car. - I just need to source a (keyed) 6-way (8 if I decide to fit a speaker at both ends) connector.. This will need to be 'Client-proof' as this loco is not for my own consumption!
The Massoth decoder 'kit' I have been supplied with is not complete. The bag with the wires/screws has been cut open, and there is just that, paperwork, and an XLS (no speaker, which I thought the 'kits' tended to come with??).
Still, being the 'drip under pressure' I am sure that will not be a problem!
If this was for my consumption, I would probably use some of the (many) 10-way connectors that I have spare from Massoth decoders. Mated with the single-inline pin-headers from Maplins.
For a Client; I may well go with DB9 (9-pin 'D' type connectors, a la computer serial ports of old). Simple, robust, keyed, and I have them kicking about. - Sold! to the man musing online!
8)
Now, two speakers.. parallel or serial?
Anyone know how kindly (or not) an XLS will take to a 4 ohm load? - Two 8 ohm speakers in parallel.
