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Inter mountain SD45t-2. ditch lights want to add them. N scale Locos and rolling stock
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Regular poster 127 posts Roundhousecat Regular poster 127 posts
Roundhousecat

Scooped 3 of these off Ebay for cheap. They run well and I would like to replace the stadard LED on them to a better one and add ditch lights. Can it be done? The head light comes on when running forward and the rear ligts only when running backward. Should they be on all the time or leave as is?

LED suggestions?

Ditch lights. Guess I'll have to drill new holes for them, but what can I use for LED's? Has anyone done his before? I"m going to run them on a table layout so DC will be the power supply.

Suggestions?

 

Thanks.

____________________________________

Doug.

 
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Prof_Klyzlr Moderator 7,956 posts
Prof_Klyzlr

Simple solutions...

Dear Roundhouse,

Assuming this is for analog, LEDs will inherrently have a "polarity", and hence a "direction". (Headlight when running forwards, taillight when running backwards).

For N scale LEDs, I'd suggest getting comfy with your soldering iron, and picking up some 0603 SMD LEDs.
Alternatively, check in with the guys from Ngineering.com  http://www.ngineering.com/lightng.htm

Assuming you're OK with constant-on dittchlights, I'd suggest using fibre-optics from the upgraded "headlight" LED to the ditchlight position. One LED to power them all, simple and reliable.

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr
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Roundhousecat Regular poster 127 posts
Roundhousecat

No problem with constant on

No problem with constant on ditch lights.

Now where to find the tiny ones. How small will I need them to be? 1 - 2 mm? where can I buy drills this small to drill the holes? Does anyone sell a set of them? is there a chuck I can use to drill them with? I have a dremel. that maybe my best bet yet?

Suggestions please.

Thanks.

Thanks.

____________________________________

Doug.

 
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Prof_Klyzlr Moderator 7,956 posts
Prof_Klyzlr

Fibre-optic source

Dear Roundhouse,

For fibre-optic ditchlights, I've used the acrylic threads (not really "fibre optics", but they'll do) from novelty "magic lamps". All the fibre optics you'd want for < AUD$10, and no fear of wastage during your "R&D period" getting comfy with them.

http://www.ebay.com.au/bhp/fibre-optic-light

http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_images/588/477588_100831145328_FibreOpticLamp.jpg

A numbered-size drill (I use 63 or 75) will allow the fibre-optic to be threaded anywhere it needs to go. A quick pass by a heat source (2" will be enough, and will work without affecting the shell) such as a basic butane B-B-Q lighter will "mushroom" the end of the fibre, allowing it to accept and transmit light.

NB that you are not looking for fibre-optics which are the dia of the ditchlight, the aim of the game is to get the mushroomed head to the required dia...

NB that because we're not using actual "engineered fibre-optics", it behooves us to use High-brightness LEDs. I've used the acrylic threads with 0603 LEDs from SatisLED.com

http://www.satisled.com/Wholesale-Discount-smdsmt-leds-0603-smd-leds_c67.html

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

 
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