I can relate to so many of the issues discussed here. My last decoder install was a Digitrax into an Atlas GP-38. The spring contact didn't line up with the pad on the decoder, so I bent it to fit through the slot (the spring contacts don't take kindly to bending) then I put a small shim between the motor and the frame and everything has worked well ever since. It's the little things that get you...
I just got a response back from Steve Millenbach in the Atlas Parts Dept. today. They are putting the PCB contacts in their online catalogue. The part number is #480030 (or it might be #9480030 since they seem to be adding a '9' to the start of the part numbers). The cost will be $1.25 for four. I've checked the online catalogue but can't find them in there yet. It sometimes takes several hours for changes to percolate through the system so I'll keep checking. If you are ordering some, order a lot more than you need. They must be a close relative of the MT coupler spring since they show the same propemsity to ping off into the ether and disappear. :tb-biggrin: Jim.
I've now found the entry in the Atlas online catalogue. It's in the N Scale C420 Locomotive Parts section. Here's the URL of the "More Info" page https://secure.atlasrr.com/mod1/itemdesc.asp?ic=480030&eq=&Tp= Jim
I just did a TCS decoder install in a Atlas SD60M. The decoder fit very loose in the frame. I added solder to the contact points and used jumper wires from the motor contacts to the decoder. It is easier for me to do that then trying to get the motor tabs into the slots on the decoder. I use a 29awg flexible wire from Litchfieldstation.
