Got a TCS M1 decoder to fit in a MDC 2-8-0 tender. Set it in there sideways. Added a backup light (lantern style). Hard part is getting the wires connected, due to little space and short wires after cutting. Tight squeeze placing the tender walls down over the electrontics. Headlight remained under track power. Works ok as is. Backup light under decoder control. Painted the exposed electronics black...look like tool boxs, etc. Here are thumb size pictures of each step. Click each pic to enlarge. Arrow to move around. Wewwwww.... glad it's done (4 hours). MDC 2-8-0 DECODER INSTALL ...Eddie
Eddie: A Digitrax DZ 143 decoder might also fit the MDC 2-8-0. I use it for tight steam installations in N scale. It is also used in Z scale. I like to use it because of it's higher amp rating for the stall factor and because it also has BEMF as one of it's functions. This is a good decoder to use in the LL 2-8-8-2 as this loco has certain issues with it's lightboard which must be removed on decoder installation and the "stall factor" when placed in reverse. I am sure that this decoder will also fit the newly released Atlas 2-6-0 Mogul.
The DZ143 and the TCS M1 are about the same in size, M1 a little smaller. The M1 has a 2 amp peak as well. No BEMF but has Dither which may help some. I looked into the DZ series of decoders last year when I started getting into DCC. I found them hard to get due to short supplys, so I tried the TCS M1 when they first came out. I've been happy with the M1's ever since. They are 4 dollars cheaper and have only two functions which is all I need for steam installs. I have 11 steam engines with M1 installs and 13 diesels. Running one set (A-A) E-8 hard wired muled from a single M1, with no problems. Was able to get the M1 into the boiler of the Kato Mike and cab area of ConCor & Atlas 2-8-8-2. I have a couple of TCS M2's which I'm saving for when I need more functions, like ditch lights etc. ..Eddie
