Fox Valley Models Hiawatha Class 4-4-2

Scale:
N Scale


This installation uses the following decoder:


This installation is for N Scale Fox Valley Models Hiawatha Class 4-4-2 uses the TCS MC2P-1"R Decoder and was performed by TCS

This locomotive could also accept an M1P-1"R and a Z2P-1"R.

The primary challenge with this installation is removing the shell from the tender. You must proceed with care due to the numerous delicate details on this locomotive. First, remove the tender from the locomotive by unplugging the connector and removing the screw highlighted below. NOTE: there is a spring beneath the screw so be careful not to lose it.
The primary challenge with this installation is removing the shell from the tender. You must proceed with care due to the numerous delicate details on this locomotive. First, remove the tender from the locomotive by unplugging the connector and removing the screw highlighted below. NOTE: there is a spring beneath the screw so be careful not to lose it.
There are two grab bars on the back of the tender that must be loosened from the bottom prior to removing the shell.
There are two grab bars on the back of the tender that must be loosened from the bottom prior to removing the shell.
The grab bars (highlighted above in blue) should only be freed from the bottom. The next two images show where the shell separates from the rest of the tender. Note that the areas highlighted in red lift up with the shell and the areas highlighted in blue remain attached to the frame.
The grab bars (highlighted above in blue) should only be freed from the bottom. The next two images show where the shell separates from the rest of the tender. Note that the areas highlighted in red lift up with the shell and the areas highlighted in blue remain attached to the frame.
Next, you must spread the sides of the shell and lift it up and off the chassis. There are four plastic clips holding the shell on and the image below roughly demonstrates where they are (they are positioned the same on both sides of the tender).
Next, you must spread the sides of the shell and lift it up and off the chassis. There are four plastic clips holding the shell on and the image below roughly demonstrates where they are (they are positioned the same on both sides of the tender).
Once the shell is removed from your tender you can remove the dummy plug (highlighted below) from the lighting board.
Once the shell is removed from your tender you can remove the dummy plug (highlighted below) from the lighting board.
Note that pin 1 is located in the bottom right corner of the plug above. Next, insert the MC2P-1"R as shown in the image below.
Note that pin 1 is located in the bottom right corner of the plug above. Next, insert the MC2P-1"R as shown in the image below.
You can now replace the shell, reattach the grab bars, and reconnect the tender to the locomotive. You are ready to run!
You can now replace the shell, reattach the grab bars, and reconnect the tender to the locomotive. You are ready to run!

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