Hobbytown E8A

Scale:
HO Scale


This installation uses the following decoder:

T1



This installation of TCS T1 Decoder is for HO Scale Hobbytown E8A and was performed by Jean Lacroix, Canada.

This model is a Hobbytown of Boston drive with a body shell from AHM or Model Power. Although it has 6 axles, there are only 8 wheels powered. It was custom finished for a fictitious railroad for a Montreal train club. Additional weight was added to improve traction. On this model, the body is attached with screws located underneath the locomotive in the middle of it. Just removing the screws let the body free.
This model is a Hobbytown of Boston drive with a body shell from AHM or Model Power. Although it has 6 axles, there are only 8 wheels powered. It was custom finished for a fictitious railroad for a Montreal train club. Additional weight was added to improve traction. On this model, the body is attached with screws located underneath the locomotive in the middle of it. Just removing the screws let the body free.
All the wires connected to the motor should be removed from it. The motor has to be unscrewed from its location since it would create an electrical short in dcc mode. To prevent that, install on the floor of the locomotive, where the motor was, a rubber pad or a piece of plastic large enough to isolate the motor from the frame. The motor should be glued in place using Goo or silicone, taking care to avoid any moving parts. Pay special attention to align the drive shaft and the motor sprocket.
All the wires connected to the motor should be removed from it. The motor has to be unscrewed from its location since it would create an electrical short in dcc mode. To prevent that, install on the floor of the locomotive, where the motor was, a rubber pad or a piece of plastic large enough to isolate the motor from the frame. The motor should be glued in place using Goo or silicone, taking care to avoid any moving parts. Pay special attention to align the drive shaft and the motor sprocket.
Then connect the red wire to the top of the front truck, in this case, a brass washer is making a good alternative also. Then, it is the turn of the black wire that should be attached to the frame.
Then connect the red wire to the top of the front truck, in this case, a brass washer is making a good alternative also. Then, it is the turn of the black wire that should be attached to the frame.
You can add phosphor bronze wire in plastic tubing over the insulated wheels in order to enhance electrical contact between the track and the motor.
You can add phosphor bronze wire in plastic tubing over the insulated wheels in order to enhance electrical contact between the track and the motor.
Please note that all the wires soldered together should be covered with electrical shrink tubing or electrical tape.
Please note that all the wires soldered together should be covered with electrical shrink tubing or electrical tape.

Important Soldering Tip

Please do not use any flux either liquid or paste on the mother board. Over time, the acidic properties of liquid or paste flux will begin eating away at the fiberglass PCB and will damage it. Use only Rosin-core solder or no-clean flux approved for electronics use.

TCS recommends the use of Kester "44" Sn63 Pb37, .015" diameter Rosin-core solder. Kester part number 24-6337-0007.

You can order this solder from the following retailers:
Digikey - PN:KE1110-ND
Techni-Tool - PN:488SO6775

Other solder tips

When stripping wire, only strip a tiny little bit of the insulation. Strip no more than a 1/32 of an inch. When the wire gets tinned with solder, the insulation will shrink back more. Try to not expose any more wire than half the length of the solder pad at most. In no case should solder or exposed wire wire ever be outside the boundary of the the solder pad you are attaching a wire to.
Click here for important information on properly Stripping and Tinning wire