HO Scale Atlas Metra Cab Car Decoder Installation
Last Updated 241215
Streamlined Backshop offers a variety of services including DCC decoder installations.
I have been blessed with more work than I can accomplish and simply don't have time to accept every opportunity I am presented.
One of my favorite proverbs is "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".
With these thoughts in mind, I present this information for those who want to give it a go but struggle with the how to.
For this group of modelers, this is how I do it.
Please note, this write-up is intentionally simplified and only focuses on the "tricky stuff". There are tons of resources on my site and around the WWW that can clarify the common details of decoder installations.
The same basic products, tools and techniques can be applied to nearly any model of the same genre so be sure to look at the forest, not just the trees.
Be sure to visit my online train store, www.SBS4DCC.com today where you can purchase this model and everything you will need to complete the decoder installation as described!
The HO Scale Atlas Model Railroad Co Type 8500 Cab Car Metra #8502
The HO Scale Atlas Model Railroad Co Type 8500 Cab Car Metra #8502 ITEM# 20007052 was released in November, 2024. The model is DCC ready and feature an illuminated interior, directional LED headlight, ditchlights, and red marker lights with provisions for installation of a 21MTC DCC decoder and speaker.
Recommended Tools and Supplies
There are a few tools and supplies recommended for performing this decoder installation.
Tools:
Wire Strippers
Hobby Knife
Soldering Iron
Motor Tool
Multimeter
Supplies:
LEDs As Required
Decoder Wire
Wire Insulation Products As Required
Tinning Flux
60/40 Rosin Core Solder
DCC Products:
ESU 58219 LokSound 5 FX Standard Multi-protocol (MM/DCC/SX) Function-Only Sound Decoder - NEM660 21MTC Integral Connector
SBS4DCC "Sugar Cube" Speaker 11x15mm 8 ohm 1 watt w/ Sound Chamber
Note the decoder and speaker for this installation were selected by a paying customer. Streamlined Backshop offers the best products from Digitrax, ESU - Electronic Solutions Ulm, NCE - North Coast Engineering, SoundTraxx, TCS - Train Control Systems and ZIMO DCC. There are many products from these great manufacturers that can be substituted based on your preferences.
Pre-Install Preparations
Preparing the model for the installation is pretty straight forward. Remove the shell the pull the lightboard by removing the two mounting screws on top of the board.
Remove the OEM jumper board from the 21MTC interface connector and replace it with the ESU 58219 LokSound 5 FX Standard Multi-protocol (MM/DCC/SX) Function-Only Sound Decoder - NEM660 21MTC Integral Connector pre-programmed with the SBS4DCC - ESU LokSound Metra Cab Car Sound File.
The TCS 1250 NEM660 - 21MTC 21-Pin Decoder Ejector Tool is a useful tool to make the process super easy.
Installation and Final Assembly
I started by assembling the SBS4DCC "Sugar Cube" Speaker 11x15mm 8 ohm 1 watt w/ Sound Chamber following the instructions on the The Original SBS4DCC "Sugar Cube" Speaker Application Notes page.
Then I soldered the speaker leads to the OEM lightboard and mounted the speaker assembly in a pocket in the interior as shown using a piece of double-sided tape or spot of "Go-2-Glue".
Then I simply reassembled the model and let the good times roll!
Additional Resources
SBS4DCC - ESU Metra Cab Car LokSound Sound File Information
SBS4DCC - ESU Metra Cab Car LokSound Sound File Advertisement
HO Scale Atlas Metra Cab Car Decoder Installation