I decided to add lights to my postwar Lionel 44-ton switcher. I soldered one light lead to one of the motor brush holders and connected the other to a ground, and all was well. Then I thought, why not go for directional lighting? Since the current bulb lit the engine's "forward" headlight, I added a second bulb, soldering one of its leads to the other brush holder and the second lead to ground. Now, however, the second bulb burns bright and fine when the engine is in "reverse," but when it's in forward, BOTH bulbs light up, but more faintly. Why can't I get only the forward light to work in that direction?
What you did should have worked. With that wiring trick, it is normal for the "off" light to glow dimly, but usually not brightly enough to be noticed outside the locomotive. But the forward light should not have been affected by adding the second light. What lamp types are you using?
Bob Nelson
I'd check your ground connection, maybe that's where the issue is?
Here's a diagram of the E-unit: http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/199723.aspx
As you can see, power is being fed to the brushes at all times; directional control is afforded by changing which brush is fed from the center rail and which is being fed to ground. So, connecting bulbs directly to the brushes means that both bulbs are getting power at all times, with the bulbs being wired in parallel to the motor. The dim lights, as mentioned above, are probably due to a poor ground.
I'd suggest experimenting with diodes on the bulbs and seeing if that does the job. Good luck! :)
-MMM-
With any 2 matched bulbs bright enough to illuminate as headlamps for directional lighting as you have installed them, the one that is "off" will always glow dimly. If one is staying on continuously, then it is probably a lower voltage bulb than the other.
A poor ground in this case would give no light.
Rob
If you connect each bulb between the center track pickup and a brush terminal, you'll get directional lighting. I'd use LED's for low voltage operation with a diode and resistor in series with them.
I have installed three of these ready to go LEDs in engines, they work great.
Kev
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
KRM I have installed three of these ready to go LEDs in engines, they work great. Kev
Sorry bet you need the link.
http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/bl-212.html
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