GN Y-1 electric decoder install.
Imported by Key in 1995 factory painted with directional lights and functional windows and doors.
videos:
Yard test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgjv0ho5XDU
Yard test with the Tenshodo version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOEdUu4BVFo
6 screws secure the frame to the superstructure.
KEY used some 1-pin connectors for the lights in the cab and headlights. The lights were incandescent so they were replaced with 0402 LED's.
The TCS KAM4 just fits on the frame as there is little room with 2 motors and weights.
I taped the decoder between a weight and one of the motors, vertically.
The KAM4 has no sound as electrics are 'quiet' anyway plus there would have been no room for a larger decoder plus speaker.
All the old lights and wires, including the diodes, were removed.
Connected the red and black wires to the trucks and the orange and grey wires to the motors and then 'down loaded' the new data with the engine on the programming track.
Put LED's in the headlights and each cab. Both are 'directional'.
Installed a 4-pin connector between the frame and super structure.
Functional windows.
Unusual for an HO engine.
Functional 'sprung' doors.
LED added to the steps on each side of the engine.
I did not add LED's to the marker lights.
Detailed cab interior.
The engine on the left is a Tenshodo model made in 1985.
I had to do some 'PM' on this engine as it was losing power about every 5 seconds.
I checked the decoder and no signs of 'smoke' and the circuit breakers were not being 'thrown'.
I cleaned all the wheels and that seemed to 'fix it' although the wheels looked perfectly 'clean'!
Previously, I installed a TCS KAM4 decoder in this engine including head lights, marker lights and lighted steps.
I believe the Tenshodo model is more accurate with the orange pantographs and black running gear versus the 'green' running gear on the Key model.
Key model.
Tenshodo model.
I have several GN electrics.
This is the GN Y-1 'green version' with DCC at Tye.
The right engine is a Tenshodo Y-1 and the left 2 engines are Z-1 electrics (Oriental limited) that only were painted 'green'.
Both are DCC located at Skykomish.
The top engine is a GN W-1 electric (custom brass) and the bottom 2 are the GN Z-1 electrics (Nickel Plate products; both powered). These are in the 'yet to be converted to DCC' line.
The last electric is another GN W-1 with DCC. GN only had two W-1's.
Testing both electrics.
The Key model needed 40 MPH (2 motors) while the Tenshodo model only needed 25 MPH (one motor) to run at the 'same speed'.
=================
Next will, probably, be the UP 4-8-8-4 big boy by Key.
================
Purchased some Kadee couplers and 'pockets' and some '3-in-1' oil.
====================
Got some old vintage metal Athearn/Varney and wood Silver Streak/Ambroid models that need some couplers.
Plus, it's time to send my daughter (executor) my annual inventory of all my possessions and their 'relative value'.
==================
Finished up labeling the bulk of my engine 'boxes' with the engine number and whether they have 'DCC'.
A 'low stick' scotch tape is used.
Will make it easier for my daughter to find the correct box for each engine when I 'croak'!
