Have atlas gen set loco. Added soundtraxx genset decoder. Lost genset front ditch light bar. Ordered new ditch light bar. Tried to solder to leads just like rear ditch light bar but but solder slides off light bar back surface. Must be clear (invisible) protective film or something to remove . Tried several ideas but none worked. What simple thing am I not doing?
According to a clinic answer in Model Railroader in 1954, the right stuff to use to clean it would be Carbon Tetrachroride.
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DO NOT USE Carbon Tetrachloride! It is extremely hazardous, poisoness, deadly, etc! Some of those answers in old MR magazines were really bad advice.
Anyway... My best solution is to go to auto parts store and get a product by "CRC" called "electrical contact cleaner". Spray a little bit on a cotton swap or microbrush and scrub the surface of the light bar. This has helped me in the past in similar situations. Keep it away from delicate plastic parts, it might eat away at them.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
What Kevin reffers to is good stuff, I use it on everything from model railroading to small engine repair. It's in a red and white can, about $6 or $7.
So, I'm just trying to figure out what your wiring. I see on the Atlas parts list, what I think your reffering to, part# 996124, LED RED PCB3. There is one on each end of the loco. Is this the part? It must be a small cicuit board (PCB) with two tiny red leds. The parts diagram doesn't show any wires, to keep the diagram easier to read. Do the wires from this attach to the main circuit board?
Mike.
My You Tube
Do the DCC equipped Atlas Dash 8's have working ditch lights vs the non equipped ones?