UP 4-8-8-4 Big Boy imported by KEY in 1987.
Decoder install.
Tender:
The usual TCS 1517 decoder along with the usual PFM speaker and the usual 8-pin connector made.
This tender had no marker lights so only an LED was installed in the tender's head light.
Usually, I like to make a rectangular hole below the deck plate on the tender but there was a lot of detail that I didn't want to 'butcher'.
The decoder wires have to make some 'sharp' turns so I used a lot of short 'heat shrink' tubing on the 8-pin connector.
Fortunately, there were two small holes to route the wires.
Crammed everything into the tender.
All 'closed up'.
Connector wires routed so they don't interfere with the front tender truck.
The usual yellow foam was replaced with black foam inside the tender since the tender water hatches open.
Key didn't 'clean' all the parts thoroughly and some of the running gear had 'wrinkled' paint so I had to disassemble some parts, repaint them and reassemble them. Of course, I got a 'discount' for 'damaged goods'!
Some assembly still needed on the front drivers.
A valve linkage 'rivet' broke so I had to put some solder on the back to secure it.
The other side had the same problem.
Boiler:
Tested all the LED's from an earlier 'work on this engine'.
With a 'fire box' glow in the cab I needed a 5-pin connector instead of the usual 4-pin connector.
Glad I tested a 'dry fit' of the back frame to the boiler as there is no 'opening' for the 8-pin connector wires.
There is an ashpan that covers the entire 'fire box' so I drilled 2 holes in the fire box for the wires; 4 wires through each hole.
Programming track.
Turned on all the LED's.
Head light, green marker lights and running board lights.
'fire box' glow LED.
Pretty cool; Key has the 'fire box' doors open for the 'fire'.
Nicely detailed cab.
Cab roof vent has a metal tab to keep it open.
A separate LED was needed for the 'external' fire box glow.
Next will be final assembly and 'yard test'.
