Installing a sound decoder - 4
cable that works very well. If this engine does not have a backup
light, you will only need a two-wire cable for the speaker.
The main criteria is this – there must be large enough open-
ings in the engine and tender so the cable is free to flex
without binding or limiting engine and tender movement on
curves and uneven track.
Since the engine is normally heavier than the tender, any
binds will usually show up on curves by the tender tilting
over, making poor contact with the track, derailing, or all
three. It is crucial that the hole in the tender front bulkhead
and the opening in the engine be the same height off the
rails; they must also be on the longitudinal centerline of the
engine and tender.
Take some time to measure and mark the locations accurately
so the holes line up vertically. Then remove the tender shell
and inspect it to be sure there is room inside to route the cable
past any bulkheads,
partitions or braces
and that there is room
on the frame/floor for
a speaker.
Any tender weights
may need to be
removed until this
portion is finished,
and reinstalled later
in a different spot. If
1: Front of tender
showing cable
cutout and cable.
1
MRH-Dec 2013
