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At the time of this writing (mid2009), Kato makes three SD402 versions. The early version is identified (aside from the box label) by chickenwire intake grills in the radiator section and by a brake lever on the short (regular size) nose. The mid version (shown above) is identified by a brake wheel on a short (regular size) nose and more modern boxy grills at the radiator intakes. The third version was called the Snoot version. It has a long nose that extends out to the front rails, has a brake wheel, and has the more modern boxy grills at the radiator intakes. The TCS K1D4NC fits the Kato SD402 mid versionas can be seen once the shell is off.

As can be seen in the photo above, the mid version uses a different chassis from the other two versions where the LEDs are flush with the lightboard. This does not matter in the rear where there is plenty of room, but is it crucial in the front since the shell allows for no room for a large LED in the front the way most locos use (the other chassis versions use the K1D4 decoder).Here is what the Kato board looks like when it has been when it has been removed. On this loco, the motor clips are not soldered on and can be removed by simply pulling them off. We need to remove them and then reuse them on the TCS decoder.


Here is the TCS K1D4NC decoder with the Kato clips. The clips may just be pressed on with two fingers above and one below.

The K1D4NC is read to install.

The chassis needs to be protected with Kapton tape so there are no electrical shorts around the motor tabs.

Ready for a test drive and programming.

Success!