First decoder install ever... Intimidating.

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I may try to wrap only the ditch light runner all the way down to where it splits. Agree that if there's too much tape, it'll be too difficult to reinstall. It wasn't a problem with that one strip that I have between the runners.
 


zzr1200guy said:
you may want to look into Scale Sound System speakers they really bring out the best sound from the decoder
Click to expand...
Yes I know these, and I have no doubt about their quality.
When I started installing Blunami decoders in my old locos I wanted a speaker that could fit any loco. So I looked for smartphone speakers which deliver excellent sound quality.
I found these ultra flat ones sold by "Roads and Rails" UK. They plug the openings for better result.
Believe me, their sound is fantastic and in the Blunami "equalizer" sound section you may choose the best option to match your speaker size.
The decoder comes with the "flat" option, I chose the 1 inch option. There are 4 or 5 options to choose from.
I love them, easy to install, 3mm thick and, icing on the cake, I purchased 15 of them for less than 35 bucks.
 
Frenchie said:
Yes I know these, and I have no doubt about their quality.
When I started installing Blunami decoders in my old locos I wanted a speaker that could fit any loco. So I looked for smartphone speakers which deliver excellent sound quality.
I found these ultra flat ones sold by "Roads and Rails" UK. They plug the openings for better result.
Believe me, their sound is fantastic and in the Blunami "equalizer" sound section you may choose the best option to match your speaker size.
The decoder comes with the "flat" option, I chose the 1 inch option. There are 4 or 5 options to choose from.
I love them, easy to install, 3mm thick and, icing on the cake, I purchased 15 of them for less than 35 bucks.
Click to expand...
All I can say is once you use SSS speaker youll never go back
 
Hello !
Checking the photos I sent a few posts back, I noticed, on photo 1912, that the rear end of the left side handrail was missing !!!
I don't remenber breaking it. Was it broken during the handling process at the factory ? I checked again the plastic bags protecting
the detail parts, nothing.
Anyway I again made the missing part out of metal wire, not perfect but good enough.

Both Katos are now finished, I managed to get alternating flashing ditch lights when blowing the horn on one of them, n° 609.

I attach a couple photos.
 

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I need help concerning the front and rear hand rails of these Katos. I just can't get the posts to sit properly !
It drives me nuts. Whatever I try there are always one or two posts refusing to get in place. I slightly enlarged the holes, I used
tiny drops of CA, nothing works. On the other hand they spring and fly across the room pretty well...
Zooming on photo 1914 will show you the mess on the front handrail.
On my, now dummies, Walthers mainline Dash 8-40BWs, handrails sit perfectly, Kato is supposed to be superior quality.

Well, when I check Kusojiji photo (GE n° 600) I just go WOOW ! HELP !
 
As far as I remember, the only time I had an issue with getting the posts to fit into the floorboard was when the handrail ends were not properly located into the steps. Then the handrail ends would try to push the whole thing up and out.
 
Thank's Kusojiji, there are so many details on the front pilot, that doesn't help. I should have installed the front handrail first.
Too late, I rather try to stay calm... 😡 and live with it.
 


I have one Kato C44-9W that I never added the rails onto. In fact, it still has the horn-hook coupler. I'll dig it out and see how it goes.
 
Thank's Kusojiji.
My locos date back to the 90s, probably the first run of Kato's C44-9Ws. I wonder if the more recent runs show the same issue, maybe Kato solved that.
 
I don't think much changed over the years. I did send Kato USA an email about the glass set that they were selling on their website for the C44-9W, if it would fit in my model and they came back and said it should.
 
Well, I started installing all the little bits and took 15 minutes to get the first handrail in. I think the last time I did this was when I bought these things when I had better eye sight and steadier hands. While I may claim that I have more experience now, better eye sight and steadier hands seems to be better! haha

I'll put my findings on my thread so that I don't hijack yours.
 
I found out what the problem is - square peg and round hole. I used pliers and gently squished the square peg and it fit tightly.
FRONT POST SQUARE PEG.jpeg
FRONT DECK ROUND HOLES.jpeg
 
Thank's a lot Kusojiji !
Your eyes are better than mine, I never noticed that.
Now I have to clean all glue residue, modify, and pray for a better fit.
I'll tell you, if it works for you it should work for me, hopefully. I have two left hands...
 


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