Here is a late-breaking update to my Bachmann GE-45T repair/upgrade: I presently own 3 of these 'beauties' and really love how they run on my layout. [I run my trains virtually everyday.] #4 has the original Bachmann decoder to which I added a TCS "Keep Alive" unit. This locomotive runs like an expensive Swiss watch. #5 is currently apart - awaiting my order of micro LEDs. [Check out my previous posts.] A well-known vendor installed a TCS decoder and a TCS Keep Alive unit. Said locomotive is still in pieces as I had to 'chase down' some shorts and will [shortly] replace the inoperative front LED (however there is a light at the end of this tunnel...no pun intended). GE-45T (#6) has been 'dead' for a few years and will garner my attention next. I contacted TCS technical and they advised that I check the motor to see if the non-running begins there. As far as decoders are concerned (for the GE-45T) they recommended: 1) TCS M1 (no Keep Alive...but you can add their miniscule TCS KA4 Keep Alive, or 2) the TCS KAM4-LED which is set up WITH a Keep Alive Circuit and LED wires/resistors already attached. Now the KAM4-LED is a bit larger than the simple M1; BUT if you factor in the additional size of the Keep Alive circuit module you may be better served by going with the TCS KAM4-LED. I'll try to update this post whenever I get to the repair/upgrade of #6.
Cheers,
Ray
Cheers,
Ray