Adding LEDs (stairs and safety lights) to diesels
Dec 1, 2016 22:02:13 GMT -5
flyingsaucer likes this
Post by ironstef70 on Dec 1, 2016 22:02:13 GMT -5
I have became LED-addicted with time as I really like the prototypical look of such upgrade.
I must admit adding all of these LEDs makes for a nasty cab as it gets filled up with these tiny wires. Be aware that these tiny wires are easily wrapped around the driving shafts and must be taped or wrapped altogether so to prevent that occuring (yes, I've learned it the hard way!). But the results are spectacular and well worth the whole day spent for a single loco doing this upgrade.
Another advice is to make sure that none of these wires gets squeezed between the cab and frame (that applies to brass locos anyways). I suggest to drill some holes in the bottom frame ends (especially for the stairs lights) so to prevent wires being squeezed or being in the way of moving parts (trucks and shafts).
I've also figured out that using similar decoders types works better for using in consists. For instance, the TCS allows for a "prototype" (lots of momentum) and a "switching" mode (function 15). Besides, they're also easy to synchronize with the voice assistant as you can set it directly on the layout without the need of using a programming track and related software.
But I like the LockSound best for switchers and 4 axels locos for their ease of use, and sound functions which differs from TCS.
I used to like Tsunami, but I had to return 3 decoders that failed and although they provided good service, they have less functions and are not easy to program and synchronize (with Digitrax anyways).
This video of my favorite brass diesels (*except 1325) shows better what it looks like once modified:
LED job
*AMT 1325 is my son's as I am not into passengers trains. It's an Athearn bluebox F59PH that I also pimped up with sound and lights. It's the heaviest resin loco I've ever hold. The frame/motor casing is a huge chunk of die cast metal hiding a smooth operating motor. It made my son very happy and proud of. I even filmed the prototype in Montreal and showed him the video before giving him the train.
Happy wire soldering
Stephane
I must admit adding all of these LEDs makes for a nasty cab as it gets filled up with these tiny wires. Be aware that these tiny wires are easily wrapped around the driving shafts and must be taped or wrapped altogether so to prevent that occuring (yes, I've learned it the hard way!). But the results are spectacular and well worth the whole day spent for a single loco doing this upgrade.
Another advice is to make sure that none of these wires gets squeezed between the cab and frame (that applies to brass locos anyways). I suggest to drill some holes in the bottom frame ends (especially for the stairs lights) so to prevent wires being squeezed or being in the way of moving parts (trucks and shafts).
I've also figured out that using similar decoders types works better for using in consists. For instance, the TCS allows for a "prototype" (lots of momentum) and a "switching" mode (function 15). Besides, they're also easy to synchronize with the voice assistant as you can set it directly on the layout without the need of using a programming track and related software.
But I like the LockSound best for switchers and 4 axels locos for their ease of use, and sound functions which differs from TCS.
I used to like Tsunami, but I had to return 3 decoders that failed and although they provided good service, they have less functions and are not easy to program and synchronize (with Digitrax anyways).
This video of my favorite brass diesels (*except 1325) shows better what it looks like once modified:
LED job
*AMT 1325 is my son's as I am not into passengers trains. It's an Athearn bluebox F59PH that I also pimped up with sound and lights. It's the heaviest resin loco I've ever hold. The frame/motor casing is a huge chunk of die cast metal hiding a smooth operating motor. It made my son very happy and proud of. I even filmed the prototype in Montreal and showed him the video before giving him the train.
Happy wire soldering
Stephane
