STEP 1: Laying out the parts
Continued ...
1970s Santa Fe SD45 - 2
2: The first improvement is to remove the electrical metal
bar. This unclips from the power chassis. With a pair of
pliers, remove the huge electrical light bulb and its metal
mount. This bulb draws over an amp of power and illumi-
nates the entire cab. It also gets hot over time and can
melt the plastic. I replaced this with micro bulbs to move
the headlights to the correct position and eliminate light-
ing in the cab. Note: This wiring is for operations on DC
layouts. Wiring for DCC is a completely different animal.
2
1b: Most model railroaders have tons of parts accumu-
lated over the years. If you are a beginner, you can find
these people at train shows. They will gladly sell, or
sometimes give you, the parts you need.
1b
STEP 2: Electrical Improvements
MRH-Jan 2014
