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DC locomotive & tender reversing headlight w/LEDs

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  • Member since
    May 2014
  • From: Pennsylvania
  • 1,154 posts
Posted by Trainman440 on Thursday, January 21, 2021 2:01 PM

Hi, you should be able to just wire a 3v white led of your choice in series with a 1k ohm resistor directly to track power.

Depending on the polarity you wire it to track, itll be lit in either forward or reverse. Id test it one way, and if it lights up going forward, just switch the polarity. 

This is a quick n dirty method. Ideally you also wire a proper diode into the circuit. 

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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO

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  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 160 posts
DC locomotive & tender reversing headlight w/LEDs
Posted by banjobenne1 on Thursday, January 21, 2021 1:26 PM

Hello I am trying to install a reversing headlight in an old cast medal locomotive boiler. DCC is not an option here. I would like to use LEDs if possible. Thank you for any help you may offer.

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