What kind of lights should I use for this LIRR FA1

[robkoz]

Want to install a headlight and reverse lights on this FA1 that is using a Tsunami decoder. What lights should I use? LED or incandescent? And I'm guessing I'm going to have to make holes in the front for the reverse lights as you can see there are none like in the actual pic. Never installed lights before. Just want to instal reverse lights by the number signs. Advise? Thanks.

EDIT: if I use LED's do I have to use resistors with the decoder and where online can I order the LED's? Also, I might not have enough room in the front for the reverse lights. Are the LED's small enough or modifying the metal frame typical?

[tstage]

Rob,

For headlights - I always prefer LEDs over incandescents because they last longer and generate very little heat.  The light beam is also much more directional than incandescents.  In comparison, incandescents give off a more diffuse light.  They're great for indoor and outdoor lighting and spaces where the heat can be more easily ventilated.

If you decide to go with LEDs, Rob, I would opt for the "warm-white" or "yeloglo" (Miniatronic) LED.  As the name implies, they give off a warmer beam and are more prototypical of an incandescent light of the '40s/'50s locomotives.

Tom

[BigDaddy]

I think your reverse lights are Classification Lights.  The rivet counters can weigh in on that. 

[rrinker]

A standard 5mm LED fits just about pefectly in that loco. I have 2 of them. I may have lightly filed the ridge at the base of the LED to get it to slip down in the channel in the frame. I use the Miniatronics Yelo-Glo type. Most online hobby shops have them and many LHS carry Miniatronics components as well. You will also need 1K resistors, for just one or two it used to be convenient to pop in to Radio Shack and grab a pack, but no more. The Miniatronics LEDs comes with 2 resistors for each LED< one smaller value for DC and one larger value they say is for DCC, but it's too small. Two of the larger ones in series would work, then you wouldn't have to buy anything extra. And there's plenty of room to fit 2 resistors in series.

                         --Randy

 

[robkoz]

BigDaddy

I think your reverse lights are Classification Lights.  The rivet counters can weigh in on that. 

 

 

I remember them being lit up red when they were on the end of the LIRR passenger consist when traveling in reverse if that's the same thing as 'classification.'

[crusader27529]

I use 2mm (80") for classification lights......anything else is too large. Just use a drill bit sized so the LED is a nice tight fit, and don't forget to use black paint of some kind on the insides of all your LEDs to prevent bleed through into the interior of the loco.

 

[hon30critter]

Hi robkoz:

First, you will be much happier down the road if you use LEDs. As was said, they will last forever and there is no risk of melting the shell. Also as was suggested, the easiest LED to use for the headlight is a 5mm warm white. For the red lights that are used when the locomotive is in reverse the easiest LEDs to use would be what are called SMD (Surface Mount Device) LEDs. They are very small and are easy to line up behind the red lenses. You can buy them from Miniatronics as well and they come with leads already attached.

http://www.miniatronics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=12-621-04&Category_Code=6&Product_Count=0

You will need lenses for the reverse lights. Utah Pacific or MV Lenses sell red 'jewel' type lenses. Make sure you get the ones without the painted backs or the light won't shine through.

Here is some great information on MV Products:

http://www.hubhobbyshop.com/hint32.htm

Here are the Utah Pacific lenses at Walthers:

https://www.walthers.com/jewels-no-backing-pkg-12-red

Most decoders require that you use resistors with LEDs but I would go online to check the specific decoder manual to see if there are dedicated connections for LEDs.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals.php

The most common resistor is 1000 ohms. You can use lower value resistors but there is no advantage. The light will be plenty bright enough and the LED will draw less power.

Dave