Decoder placement N SPECTRUM 280

[johanrsa]

I just bought my N-Spectrum 280 and a DIgitrax DZ143PS decoder which I am eager to install. I noticed that the Bach Man recommend installation under the boiler.
Will removing the weight under the boiler not influence the performance of the loco?
Surely Bachmann had reasons for putting the weight there in the first place.
My friends installed their decoders in the tender, which is a lot more PT.
Is this the better option?
Please help me with advice

[fieromike]

I just bought my N-Spectrum 280 and a DIgitrax DZ143PS decoder which I am eager to install. I noticed that the Bach Man recommend installation under the boiler.
Will removing the weight under the boiler not influence the performance of the loco?
Surely Bachmann had reasons for putting the weight there in the first place.
My friends installed their decoders in the tender, which is a lot more PT.
Is this the better option?
Please help me with advice

THere is a small portion of the boiler weight that is meant to be removed for decoder installation as this in-process photo shows:

The wire colors on this loco's motor were reversed at the factory, so pay close attention to what you are doing!

Mike

[thirdrail]

Here's a "how-to" PDF file: http://mvns.railfan.net/dcc//bach280_dec_inst.pdf