@Sid's Trains posted:First off ERR upgrades are definitely user friendly. The instructions give great tips and instructions on how to do a basic install. Soldering is technically not required if you are use things like crimp connectors or wire nuts, however it is definitely recommended to solder wires. If you use any GRJ products you will need to do a decent amount of soldering. There are three main things that I would call struggles or obstacles to consider. First off is an antenna. Since they are brass models you can't use the handrails so you will have to insulate the tender shell or locomotive shell for your antenna. Second is a tether. You will need more than 4 wires for the new tether since the electronics will likely be in the tender. ERR sells a tether, though there are better options. Finally mounting brackets for smoke units will likely need to be made. The setup in brass engines is either the spring method as I call it or a brass plate bracket. Just some things to keep in mind. This is definitely the place to ask questions. Hope you can get these projects going.
Thanks so much, Sid! I was actually just watching one of your videos on a super chuffer install! I admire your handywork and skill! 
Thank you for the note about the antenna, I completely forgot about that. Can I ask why I would need smoke unit mounting brackets? Would that be for installing a fan-driven smoke unit? (I was not planning on that but I am far from opposed to it!). Would that need to be something custom made or are they sold somewhere? And you mentioned there are better tethers, are there any you recommend?
@Norton posted:Four chuffs will save you from needing a chuff switch but John’s Super Chuffer will add extra features and take care of splitting the signal for chuff sound and fan. It gets a bit tricky installing smoke units in brass engines with little room to work with assuming you want to keep the lead weight. Also you may have to install everything in the tender for the same reason.
Best download the manuals from ERR to get an idea of the size of the boards and see what kind of room you have in your engine and tender.Pete
About GRJ's Super Chuffer/Chuff Generator - I was thinking about installing it purely to get the four chuffs/revolution. Am I thinking of the wrong product? Also, where could I pick up fan-driven smoke units? Installing around the lead weight was my biggest concern, not sure how difficult that will be, but I suppose I won't know until I take the shell off.
Beyond the challenges both of you have mentioned, this absolutely sounds like a doable project with a little upfront investment.
