Kato FEF 4-8-4

Scale:
N Scale


This installation uses the following decoder:


This installation is for an N Scale Kato FEF 4-8-4 using a TCS K6D4 Decoder and was performed by TCS.

N-Scale Kato FEF 4-8-4 prior to K6D4 decoder installation.
N-Scale Kato FEF 4-8-4 prior to K6D4 decoder installation.
N-Scale Kato FEF 4-8-4 prior to K6D4 decoder installation.
N-Scale Kato FEF 4-8-4 prior to K6D4 decoder installation.
In order to protect the highly detailed components on the this locomotive druring the decoder install, we need to first remove the smoke deflectors. Do this by carefully pulling them out and away from the locomotive.
In order to protect the highly detailed components on the this locomotive druring the decoder install, we need to first remove the smoke deflectors. Do this by carefully pulling them out and away from the locomotive.
Above is the locomotive with the smoke deflectors removed.
Above is the locomotive with the smoke deflectors removed.
Next, we need to remove the locomotives cab roof. This is easily done by pressing down on the overhang and lifting it off.
Next, we need to remove the locomotives cab roof. This is easily done by pressing down on the overhang and lifting it off.
With the roof removed, we next need to lift out the cab window glazing.
With the roof removed, we next need to lift out the cab window glazing.
With the window glazing removed, we now have access to the screw in the cab that secures the shell to the chassis. Remove this screw and save it for re-assembly later on.
With the window glazing removed, we now have access to the screw in the cab that secures the shell to the chassis. Remove this screw and save it for re-assembly later on.
Next, carefully hold onto the drivers with one hand and remove the locomotives shell. The rear of the shell must be pulled up first.
Next, carefully hold onto the drivers with one hand and remove the locomotives shell. The rear of the shell must be pulled up first.
The above picture shows the factory light board, motor lead clip bracket and clips.
The above picture shows the factory light board, motor lead clip bracket and clips.
In order to remove the factory light board, we must first dettach the motor lead clip bracket and clips. Remove the bracket using a flathead screwdriver or tweezers.
In order to remove the factory light board, we must first dettach the motor lead clip bracket and clips. Remove the bracket using a flathead screwdriver or tweezers.
Next, we need to remove the clips. Do this by using a flat head screwdriver or tweezers to pull the clips outward and away from the factory light board. Make sure to be careful not to bend the clips too much as they are made of very thin copper.
Next, we need to remove the clips. Do this by using a flat head screwdriver or tweezers to pull the clips outward and away from the factory light board. Make sure to be careful not to bend the clips too much as they are made of very thin copper.
With the motor lead clips removed, we now can remove the factory light board. The board is easily removed by sliding it out towards the rear (right in picture above) of the locomotive.
With the motor lead clips removed, we now can remove the factory light board. The board is easily removed by sliding it out towards the rear (right in picture above) of the locomotive.
Next, install your K6D4 decoder by sliding in back into the chassis pick-up contacts.
Next, install your K6D4 decoder by sliding in back into the chassis pick-up contacts.
Next, reattach your motor lead clips and clip holder bracket. Finally, reassemble the locomotive in the reverse process of the dissassembly at the beginning of this install. You have now installed a TCS K6D4 decoder into your N-Scale Kato FEF 4-8-4.
Next, reattach your motor lead clips and clip holder bracket. Finally, reassemble the locomotive in the reverse process of the dissassembly at the beginning of this install. You have now installed a TCS K6D4 decoder into your N-Scale Kato FEF 4-8-4.

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