Project EF200 (DCC Installation)

 As you know I just purchased an Kato 3036-1 EF200 and I want to install a DCC decoder in it. So this is not plug and play like other Kato locomotives it requires some modifications either to the body of the EF200 or to the decoder. 

The decoder I chose to go with is the Digitrax DN163K0A which I got from Iron Planet hobbies. So far from what I've read on JNS Forums if you have the Digitrax DN163K0A the only modification needed is to cut the legs of the installed leds to match the length of the original Kato light board. An to add surface mount LEDs between the legs of the original LEDs that you cut. So I need to source some LEDs some white and red ones for the front and rear of the locomotive.

EDIT: I think I'll just shorten the legs of the LED's and re-solder them back on like ATShinkansen at JNS forums has done.

 

This doesn't sound too bad right what could go wrong lol. But seriously it sounds relatively easy maybe a little daunting but I've dealt with worse. I'll add pics of course as I progress with this installation, I really don't thing it will be that bad, Stayed tuned for more drama.

Heres the latest saga in the EF200 DCC installation, It works....but I cant put the body on as the leds are in the way. I ordered some LSM0805543V‎ LED SM 0805 3V 280MCD WHITE LEDs from DigiKey and some other items. Hopefully with those LEDs the body will fit on the chassis.


Chadbag at JNS does a good writeup on soldering the LED onto the legs of the old LED's 

https://jnsforum.com/community/topic/15385-kato-ef210-100-3034-4-dcc-conversion-using-tcs-k0d8-a-digitrax-dn163k0a/#comment-190414

Below is the latest pic of the DN163K0a with shortened LED legs and bad soldering job don't laugh.

From top to bottom.
Kato original light board.
Bottom of Digitrax DN163K0A decoder.

From top to bottom.
Kato original light board.
Top of Digitrax DN163K0A decoder.

Its a new month and I ordered new stuff from a new store.

I was surfing the net and visited a store that I haven't ordered from before. I ordered some train stuff from ModelTrainPlus its a Japanese store that sells only model trains. I ordered a Kato EF200 and Kato 10-1686 Red Wing 3 car commuter set. The new EF200 was only $35 USD oh my gosh!!!!!

Heres a link to install a decoder in the EF200 

http://www.clubncaldes.com/2018/10/kato-ef200-3036-1-new-libery.html

Two E351 Super Azusa's from Kato?

So it seems that there are two different versions of the E351 Series Super Azusa. There is 10-358 and 10-359 and 10-1342 there is also a corresponding 4 car set 10-1343 as well. I'm not sure what the differences are between the two sets but its quite normal for Kato to re-release a set to the public. 

I broke my new E351 power bogie 43041ZD1

That's right I didn't even get to run it and I broke it. I tried to install a decoder in it and didn't remove the bogie correctly and broke a pin on the power bogie that goes into the chassis. I've looked on the internet and no one has one in stock I've checked Hobby Search and Plaza Japan and will reach out to other English speaking Japanese shops.

This is the part I need https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10820630

Below is the power bogie and the broken side and the un-broken side. 

If you know of a shop that has these in stock please let me know.  

I got a Super Azusa addition 4 car set

I forgot to post that I purchased a Kato 8 car Super Azusa set lol.

I said why not I have the 8 car set I may as well get the add on 4 car set so that's showing up soon.