Can I make this change??

Not sure about fitting a fan driven smoke unit in there, but the TMCC/RailSounds conversion is certainly possible. 

The fan fitting will really depend on what space is available when you remove the smoke unit and existing circuit board.  The TMCC/RailSounds would be installed in the tender, leaving the locomotive empty of electronics.

Thanks for the info,John. I will check on space in loco for fan unit. I don't have unit apart yet, repairing a smoke unit on sons Berkshire, but I think I remember there is quite a number of parts to be removed to make room for fan unit. We'll see!! I will let you know.Thanks again!! Tom

Note that for the smoke unit, you'll be taking the puffer cam and all that stuff out, which should make for more room.  I'm guessing it's possible to get a fan driven smoke unit in there, it's just selecting one that will fit.

Hey John, That is exactly what I am hoping for. Could you point me in the right direction to look for a smoke unit? Tom

I'd look for one of these Lionel ones, I checked all the different styles in my parts box, and 610-8057-200 is the smallest one that has the on-board fan motor regulator.  You'll have to rig up a bracket to align it.

John, Thank you much for the info.I will be ordering one. I am sure I can come up with a bracket to make it work. I have two sons,one a mechanic the other a mechanical engr. They sure better help on this one. Thank you again,John. Tom

Between a mechanic and a mechanical engineer, they better be able to fabricate a simple mounting bracket!

Tom;

The problem with a custom bracket is getting the dimensions and position just right, since you have to work with the boiler shell off.

What I usually do instead is fit the smoke unit up inside the boiler with the funnel engaged on the stack nipple, and wedge it into position with a couple of small bass wood or balsa wedges. 

This allows you to still remove it for servicing, but eliminates the need for a custom bracket. Just an idea.

Rod

 Rod,I will certainly try that! I never gave anything like that a thought. Would sure make maintaining it alot easier. Booyah to you & this forum. Thanks, Tom

Good idea on the wood Rod, an easy way to mount the smoke unit and still be able to remove it.

Rod & John!!!  Installed the smoke unit John suggested using your wedge suggestion. Works great!! Have a few more things to order from Boxcar Bill before it is complete.   Looks like I can install TMCC in loco. Will have to wait till it gets here and dry fit it to make sure. Will put railsounds in tender. Will keep ya'll informed. TOM

IT IS UP AND RUNNING!!!! Finally finished it up. I'd like to thank Boxcar Bill, Gunrunner John, Rod Stewart and all who helped on my project. It is very much appreciated. It runs like a charm,love the whistle on the new ERR medium steamer, and the cruise comm. is awesome. Now I will have to upgrade some of my other conventionals. I am including some pics. This is my first time trying pics. Hope it works. AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!!!  Tom

That's great, glad to have a small part in the project.   Now you're all ready to start the second one.

 Thanks John. Here is my next project. Frank Timko is fixing me up some flywheel motors for it. Tom

I did a K-Line GG-1 some time back, should be a pretty easy one, with the can motors you'll have more room.

That is exactly why I ordered can mtrs. for it, for more room. I did quite a bit of measuring for CC & Railsounds & it would have been very tight. To tight for my liking. We'll see how it goes when things get here. Let you know. Tom

Great work Tom!

Good to see the smoke unit mounting idea worked for you. I have used this a few times in K-Line PS-2 conversions.

Cheers,

Rod

I stumbled onto a technique for mounting the smoke units that doesn't require me to attach it at all.  I glue a post on the center of the bottom of the smoke unit using JB Weld.  I then use a spring around the post to hold the smoke unit in place when the frame is assembled.  It presses the smoke unit up against the stack whenever it's assembled.

Thanks Rod!! Worked out great. Smokes really good. Uses a lot of smoke fluid though, but thats ok. Talked to Boxcar Bill (really nice person) this morning and he wants to see a video. Will have to work on that. Thank you again for the suggestion. Tom

Very interesting, John!!! Would like to see a pic if you have one. Tom

I don't have a picture, but the next time I do one I'll snap one.  I've done two that way, and it worked out well.  However, the second one was for a customer, so I don't have it to snap pictures of anymore.

John, That would be great when you get to it. Tom