21x and I were on another thread. We need your help.
In ths case the “client” is the powered Proto 1000 RDC. Information on lighting Rivarossi and Athearn cars would also be very much appreciated!
I believe “snake” might have answered this before back in December, but I couldn’t locate the thread. What we’re looking for is realistic lighting using LEDs. The light given off by “blue-white” LEDs resemble flourescent lighting (as in a dining car) while the “gold-white” LEDs give off a yellow light resembling incandescent bulbs. LEDs would be great, if workable, since they give of very little heat and last years…
Have any of you had success with LED lighting? Can it be seen or is it too dull?
Any extra modifications needed for DCC?
I would suggest looking at modifying an existing lighting unit - the Walthers one is designed for 85’ cars, the same length as an RDC. You might have to shuffle a few bulbs around, but this should be a good starting point.
I’m surprised nobody makes a lighting kit for this unit - over here there is a thriving small industry making good lighting rigs for RTR locos - my brother fitted one to a Lima Class 66 in EWS livery (One of the UK train operators, EWS are owned by Wisconsin Central and the 66 is an EMD product). The results? After some careful drilling and soldering, the loco has directional head and tail lights, including high-intensity headlight, all using LEDs, and with some neat circuitry that makes the lights stay on for 30 seconds or so after the power is turned off - looks very good. Just wish I could find similar units for my Athearn locos - might have to look at modifying one of the simple headlight units. The manufacturer is named “Express Models” and their website is http://www.expressmodels.co.uk/acatalog/index.html - worth a look in my opinion.
I’ve tried that and it didn’t work – LEDs don’t output sufficient light, except perhaps the newer “super-bright” ones, which are going to cost a lot more than incandescent bulbs.
I will definetly check this method out. Cacole brings up an interesting point about poor lighting. I’m not worried about cost if the new "super bright LEDs do the job. I’ll buy one LED at a time if I have to.
I just simply wi***o be able to install a lighting system and not worry about replacing the lights themselves a year or so down the line. That’s why I prefer LEDs as their service life is supposedly quite long.
Have any of you considered passenger car lighting with LEDs?