Athearn GP38-2

[Anonymous]

Is there a simple way to move the light out of the cab of an athearn GP38-2 and then using fiber optic cable to make it so the hedlights actually light up.

If it maters this engine is run on regular DC not DCC

[cwclark]

I replaced the huge athearn bulb with a 1.5 volt circuit connected to a grain -of -rice bulb from loy's toys for the headlight in the engine...first i build the circuit consisting of a bridge diode, 2 capacitors, three resistors and a voltage regulator and mounted them to the roof of the shell with double sided tape...I then glued a small (1/8") piece of brass tubing just behind the headlight inside the shell so that it would hold the grain -of -rice bulb in place yet shield the light of the bulb from illuminating the entire inside of the cab...I put the shell back on and whaalaa.!..it looks prototype and has a high intensity of light at any speed the train engine runs at.....do a search for "constant lighting HO scale" and there are lots of circuits out there on the internet to choose from and build yourself for a mere pentance ..I get my electronic parts from places like mouser, radio shack, jameco, and digi-key ....they are not expensive and can be build in a one evenings time...Chuck[:D]

[Anonymous]

Thaanks for the information

do you have a list of the part # you used to make the circuit board?

[Allen Jenkins]

The technic you use is called bridge diode, and is the way to set up a circuit, but don't be afraid to explain the procedure, as the application of too much heat kills a diode. The manufacturer adds constant, directional lighting, you may add tail-end dim lighting, with a six or eight bridge diode. Enjoy Your Night Run! ACJ.