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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole Instead of going to the expense of a voltage regulator, which may require a heat sink, you could use a small bridge rectifier with the AC terminals connected to the track power and the DC output terminals connected to the LED through a 1,000 Ohm resistor, being sure that you get the polarity correct. Unless you have several locomotives that you want to modify, you will have to pay more for shipping from DigiKey than the rectifier and resistors cost, so check for a local electronics store. [/quote] Just a note to say Digi-Key drops the $5 handling charge for orders over $25 (U.S.) and they can ship orders 8 ounces and under via U.S.P.S. A resistor will also work but if you're using DC power, you won't have constant brightness untill the track reaches full voltage. In other words, the resistor will drop the track voltage at all voltage levels and the light will not light untill the track reaches full voltage. A regulator will reduce track voltage from 2.5 volts on up and will light a bulb or L.E.D. when the track reaches 2.5 volts. Also a resistor will still get as hot as the small regulators. Unless you put too much voltage or overload them, the regulators don't get so hot as to melt plastic or burn you, but they do get warm. I like to add, if you do use resistors, buy resistors rated1/2 watt or more. G.
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