We will be installing a Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder in a
medium-sized engine, such as a 2-8-2, 4-6-2 or larger, but these
techniques and methods will work on almost any brass engine.
We will mount the speaker in the tender, and the decoder in
either the tender or the engine, depending on available space.
Obviously this will require a cable between the engine and ten-
der, and there are two or three that can be used, all reasonably
priced and readily available.
My philosophy has always been to mount the decoder inside
the boiler if possible, rather than in the tender. It makes add-
ing lighting functions, such as “Firebox Flicker,” Mars light, cab
lights, classification lights, etc., much easier and cuts down
on the number of wires running between the engine and ten-
der. Unfortunately, sometimes there just is not sufficient room
inside the boiler for the decoder, so this is a judgment call for
a given engine. I will point out a couple of items later that may
help you overcome space limitations.
Before we actually start the installation, we need to check
some basic items on your engine:
(A)
The engine you’re installing the decoder in should be
painted. I am very uncomfortable installing a decoder in an
unpainted engine, and here’s why: With the decoder installed,
the painter will disassemble the engine, putting a strain on the
wiring and disturbing electrical components.
Since the decoder and wiring cannot be completely removed
without unsoldering some wires, if any wires or components
become broken, damaged or torn loose during painting, there
is a good chance the decoder can be destroyed when powered-
up again.
If that happens, who has the responsibility to fix it and who
pays for it? In short, it can turn into a real hassle. With careful
