MDC/ROUNDHOUSE locomotive rebuilds

[cnrglen]

Thanks Matt. I think this one will turn out better than the CPR engine, as I've learned a few thing since then.
I did talk to my DCC guy yesterday and he told me I'm on the right track this time and game me a few suggestions to complete it's conversion before the decoder goes in. He also said that he would take care of the hookups to the motor so I don't have to worry about the wires on the motor.
Today I started work on the drawbar.

I drilled the rear drawbar hole out so I could slide a 1/8" styrene rod through, which I reamed out to fit the drawbar screw.

I then made a spacer on the bottom on the frame from 1/4" styrene rod. My drawbar kit came with a bushing the fits the top.


Then I assembled the drawbar together. It's completely isolated from the frame. When it's time for Final assembly I'll use a dab of locktite on the nut to keep it from backing off.

One thing that was suggested from my DCC guy was the possibility of arcing from the brass wheels to the motor or motor mount. Since DCC runs at 12v+ to the chances of electrical arcing are greater than with DC.

So it was suggested that I use some varnish or something similar to paint the lower sides of the motor frame and the mount as insurance. I'll get to that next.

The last thing I did today was to ad the coupler cut bar in the front. When I give the engine to the installer I want the frame pretty much done and painted to I don't have to mess with it later when there's a decoder in there.