Climax to Railpro conversion

[akkloes]

I am wanting to convert a 20.3 Climax engine to battery powered Railpro.
Does Bachmann have a conversion guidance document?  I search the forum but did not find any postings.

I bought a Railpro RPO LM-4S-G locomotive module as the control module.
When I dropped the ashpan, I found I was looking at a Bachmann G811x-PCB02 board and came to a complete stop.  I assume I need some/all of the resistors on this board, so I didn't start cutting wires.  There is also a second PCB in the bunker which is for a soundboard, which is not currently in use.

I need some guidance on how to proceed so I don't cause damage or make it more difficult than it needs to be.
Experience level is moderate, but I'm not good at reading PCBs.

[mickeykelley]

Is it the first or second release of the climax?  It will make a difference. I sold my first gen Climax and bought the second years ago for this very reason.  The second gen has a socket under the bunker so wiring is much simpler.  Good chance battery will need to go in the boiler, if I were to guess as space is tight in these.  Other more expert people will chime in.

[akkloes]

Thanks for the response.
I bought the Climax used, so I'm not sure of the age.  Was shelved as a 2nd Climax, runs great.
This is the PCB that is in the bunker...see link. I'm assuming for a sound board.
The battery will go in a trailing car...probably disguised as a coal load.


https://app.box.com/s/raw4f71wukm007pagx99l7wk4o82bfe4

[mickeykelley]

If that as all that was in the bunker, probably 1st gen.

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?topic=37518.0

And look here

http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips5/climax_tips.html

[akkloes]

Thanks...very helpful.  Moves me a step or two closer!

[akkloes]

Appreciate all the input...I've changed my initial thoughts.
I think I'm going to just go for direct wiring of the trucks and use the circuit board for flicker & lights.
Railpro will give me movement control and the sounds, including the chuff.
Battery will be a trailing car so I can switch it out, speaker in the tender.

I can always "attack" the circuit board if I'm not happy with the results.

Am I overlooking anything ?