I did not change out the lights, they worked without any modifications with the LM-3S-21. The model I tested had an ESU V5 decoder so I pulled that out, replaced it with the LM and everything worked. Took a few minutes to figure out which lights went to what Ax outputs, but that's it.

We can add Bowser to the list of locomotive manufacturers that are truly plug and play with the LM-3S-21.

The locomotives that I have personally tested and are plug and play with the LM-3S-21 are:
Athearn Genesis (MP15AC and SD60E)
Rapido (B36-7)
Bowser (SD30C-ECO)


I have been working with Tim (G8B4Life) on seeing if we can get a Scaletrains locomotive to work without any modifications and so far, no luck. We can get partial light outputs from the Ax functions, but not fully bright lights. I reached out to Scaletrains to see if they had any additional information but all I got back from support was "ESU is the only decoder that works". I did not receive a reply to my follow-up email where I included a bunch more information I have gathered.

Congrats!

Must’ve been really satisfying to see everything run smoothly after all the time and effort you put in. My layout is a small shelf that’s barely functional, so I can only imagine the time, effort, and patience to get to the point you are at!! Sounds like the RP system made a solid impression too (I don't ever recall hearing a negative first impression of RP, other than the defensive DCC diehards)!

Nice install - I have about 120 to go ... LOL

Didn't realize how big those RP keep alives are ... they must be a challenge in smaller units.

Well - I just took the plunge into the deep end of the pool ... lol.

Just Spent about $1150
RPK-2 Starter **
8- LM-3S Mods (bought private sale)
4- LM-3 Mods no sound**
1- CB-1** Circuit breaker - need a few more later
1- CL-1 (bought private sale)
3- WH-9 harnesses**
1- Lanyard LYN-RP1

**Denotes items = Not in Stock ... hopefully not too long of a wait ??