Walthers Proto N GP38-2

Scale:
N Scale


This installation uses the following decoder:


This installation is for a N Scale Walthers Proto N GP38-2 using a TCS L1D4 Decoder and was performed by TCS.

N-Scale Walthers Proto N GP38-2 prior to L1D4 decoder installation.
N-Scale Walthers Proto N GP38-2 prior to L1D4 decoder installation.
N-Scale Walthers Proto N GP38-2 prior to L1D4 decoder installation.
N-Scale Walthers Proto N GP38-2 prior to L1D4 decoder installation.
In order to install the L1D4 decoder, we must first remove the shell. In order to have something to hold onto while removing the shell, first remove the fuel tank. Do this by sliding the tank down and away from the locomotive.
In order to install the L1D4 decoder, we must first remove the shell. In order to have something to hold onto while removing the shell, first remove the fuel tank. Do this by sliding the tank down and away from the locomotive.
With the tank removed, we can now hold the chassis of the locomotive as we remove the shell. Do this by pulling up on the shell and slowly working it up and off of the chassis. Note the retaining nubs marked with the green circles in the above picture.
With the tank removed, we can now hold the chassis of the locomotive as we remove the shell. Do this by pulling up on the shell and slowly working it up and off of the chassis. Note the retaining nubs marked with the green circles in the above picture.
With the shell removed, we can now uninstall the factory light board. Marked with green rectangles in the above picture are the 4 retaining points for the light board, two of which are pick-up contacts. To remove the factory light board, slide the board to the rear (right in picture) and lift up and out. In our case, the fitting was rather tight and some light pulling with needle nose pliers helped.
With the shell removed, we can now uninstall the factory light board. Marked with green rectangles in the above picture are the 4 retaining points for the light board, two of which are pick-up contacts. To remove the factory light board, slide the board to the rear (right in picture) and lift up and out. In our case, the fitting was rather tight and some light pulling with needle nose pliers helped.
Now with the factory light board removed, we can now install the L1D4 decoder. This is the reverse process of the previous step. However, do not use any tools such as pliers to install the decoder as it could result in damage to traces and components on the board. Make sure that both motor contacts are underneath the motor contacts on the L1D4. You have now installed a TCS L1D4 decoder into your N-Scale Walthers Proto N GP38-2.
Now with the factory light board removed, we can now install the L1D4 decoder. This is the reverse process of the previous step. However, do not use any tools such as pliers to install the decoder as it could result in damage to traces and components on the board. Make sure that both motor contacts are underneath the motor contacts on the L1D4. You have now installed a TCS L1D4 decoder into your N-Scale Walthers Proto N GP38-2.

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