In response to a question on chat, this video and narration were filmed live action while I was working on the loco. The intent was to go through the steps in preparing the loco for installation of DCC or RC systems as if I were talking to someone in the room with me. The talking in the video is not a voice over. Because of that, it was not possible to remove the TV sound in the background after the video had been downloaded to the computer.
The connectors do have the product name of JST connectors. I had always known and refered to them as MU plugs or two-pin connectors. When using these connectors, a certain degree of attention and care is required. I have two batches of them from different suppliers. The red and black wire positions are reversed between the two batches of connectors.
The reversal of polarity for the red and black wires coming from and going to the two motors is a result of the blocks being installed facing opposite directions. Care needs to be taken so as not to create a dead short [been there, done that on an older Aristo FA -same situation].
The primary screw that is difficult to deal with in removing the chasis from the shell was not pictured in the video. It is located in front of the forward motor, centered on the loco. It is very close to the end of the motor [pilot end] which makes it difficult to remove.
The replacement of the gas tank/speaker shell, greatly increases the rigidity of the chasis floor. Greg's suggestion to add a metal support is good and is being considered.
The hose mounting tangs will be shortened now that they are removed, before re-installation. While the floor is in place, only one tang can be seen on each side. They are difficult to access with a cutter or saw with the floor in place.
Future:
The P9 board and speaker will be placed in the gas tank. The unit has been pretested already.
The loco will be prewired with using the necessary bridge rectifier, filter cap, DPDT switch, and connectors so that the RC unit [RCS, Airwire, or QSI-w/o P9] could be easily connected. As stated in the video, the goal is to be able to choose between constant track power w/RC control, or RC with interchangable battery power for both the A and B units.
Part two hopefully will be posted here in a few days.
I am presenting a clinic on Airwire, RCS, and TE, here in Wichita, KS, for
Garden Railway Gizmos next Friday, 2/28/09.
Marc Horovitz of Garden Railways Magazine, will be the featured speaker at the all day seminar. To have the F3s operational prior to the clinic is the target.
Jim Carter