Well done!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Update on the LED install. I picked up a 3mm LED and some 1K ohm resistors and it worked out great!! The light is pretty bright and the loco seems to like the decoder and ac voltage. I did get some pics so when I figure out how to get them uploaded, I will post them. Thanks for the help guys..........
Rich
Gonna take a look around for some LED's. I guess I am a little surprised that there was never a light in the loco in the first place, but my dad had informed me that he bought this F unit at a train show some time ago. Live and learn........thanks for your input fellas!!
If the shell has 2 headlights, consider putting in 2 LEDs. You can wire them in parallel, with a 1K resistor for each one or you could wire them in series with a single 1K resistor. The DH123 decoders have no built-in resistors for the lights, so you need to provide those.
LEDs run cool, and you can mount them right next to the openings or even slide them into the headlight openings if they'll fit. Incandescents will melt the shell if you try that. LEDs also provide a focused beam, so they're much more like headlights when you look at them.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I like to glue a short (maybe 1/2") section of metal tubing to the inside of the body where the headlight lens is, then put the bulb or LED inside the tube when reassembling the engine. It makes the light focus more out of the headlight lens, and avoids having the whole engine lit up.
Do you have a hobby shop nearby? If they carry Miniatronics, they have the proper LEDs, not as cheap as a bulk seller on eBay, but cheaper than Radio Shack, and they are the right type - you want the Yelo-Glo for am F unit.
And then stop by the Radio Shack anyway and pick up 1K 1/4 or 1/8 watt resistors, you'll need 1 resistor per LED.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
What you should be looking for is a 3 mm yellow glow or warm white LED. Radio Shack has some in assortment bags, and some larger 5 mm LED - All for rather high prices. Just not a lot of what modelers are looking for.
You can find MR LED's on eBay that are pretty cheap(including shipping). Just do not look to buy just one...
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Does radio shack sell anything that would work? I'll be out and about this weekend and would like to get this thing done. It actually belongs to my dad and he is getting anxious to see it run. Thanks in advance.....
When it's done let us know how it worked out for you.
Joe
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Now I will be able to see in the dark!!!
I have been using Evans Designs LED's. They are pre-wired with a dropping transformer, will handle up to 19 volts, and are not polarity dependent. They are not the cheapest, but are very convenient to install. What you want for a F unit is the 3mm/warm white one:
Walthers stocks them, so your LHS should be able to order them. I usually buy them in 5 packs....U30. Though some of the documentation does not list them for use with DCC decoders, they work fine with most decoder installs. I have installed them with SDH164, DH123, and DH165K0 decoders.
Miniatronics makes superbright headlights, in both 3mm and 5mm LEDs, with resistors already in a tiny circuit board. Just hook up the two wires to the light board, or decoder. The circuit board is about the size of your little fingernail.
I replace all my locos bulbs with leds. I prefer golden white for my diesels, others prefer other colors for steam and diesels. In any case choose an led and add a 1 K ohm resistor in series with one of the leads and you are good to go. I don't like incandescent bulbs others may have different ideas.
I have a question regarding the headlight in an older Bachman Spectrum HO F-unit. There is none. I have added a Digitrax DH123D decoder and was wondering if anyone has a recommended or favorite light or bulb to use with this decoder. Not looking for anything crazy, just a headlight.
Thanks,