QUOTE (Makemineadouble @ 20 Jan 2008, 08:25)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>if you want to couple the tender permanently to the loco, one simple method is as follows:
remove the tender connector, and remove all the copper fittings and wires, you simply have a flat pressing with three holes.
remove the wires from the tender side and drill out the centre pin. Lever off the silver plate.
epoxy in an 3m screw in the hole where the centre pin was, this passes through link pin
with the tender top on the screw is invisible unless you turn the loco over
when you've finished your installation fit the nut and add a little super glue to the end.
If you working on the tender check the back to backs they frequently poorly set
check the tender pick-ups very often none of them contact the wheel backs.
With regard to the tender top remove the coal load, and then drill out the largest space possible I use the drill as a cutter, and finish off with a knife file and then needle file. Cut some plasti -card to fit, and epoxy in place from underneath you don't need a lot of epoxy. Finish the top with PVA glue and coal. With the nice speakers available from ESU I often don't drill holes in the tender top, this can improve the sound quality as a bonus. Where space is at a premium, it often helps to be able to mill some clearance in the tender weight if you access to a workshop.
**As always 100% excellent advice from MMaD
Bromsgrove models have the 6 wire connectors available ex stock.
I presume you are in the UK....you should be able to buy a LokSound from Southwest Digital with a Stanier sound ready to go - I think they do a black 5.
If you are in OZ please PM me.
Regards
Richard
DCCconcepts
Perth, WA