Athearn GP 38-2 Decoder Installation

   

    This Athearn GP 38-2 has been remotored with a can motor.  A challenge of this kind of installation is the lack of internal structure which means that the decoder or the wiring can interfere with either the free movement of the truck or the rotation of the flywheels.  Placing the decoder on top of the motor can also interfere with the fit of the shell on the frame, especially if there is wiring for lights, resistors, etc, running along the top of the shell.

 

    I have tried a variety of methods and found the most consistently successful installation uses a length of brass  U-channel which forms both a support for the decoder and a conduit for the wiring.  One end of the channel can be cut flat and bent down to support the decoder just above one of the flywheels.  It is important to be sure that all burrs and sharp edges are removed, but I also use heat shrink insulation to protect the wires from possible abrasion as well as to help keep them in place

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    The wires to the lights have not been connected in these pictures. I generally use a 3-prong mini-plug to connect the decoder with 1.5 v bulbs, with resistors, which are placed in fixtures fabricated the cab and rear of the shell.