Hello. I am thinking about making the dummy strobe lights on my n scale kato Amtrak f40ph into a working set. It doesn’t seem like to crazy of a project, but I was wondering if anyone out there has done this. Kind of looking for a few suggestions on what kind/style/size of led to use and if there is anything else I should know that maybe some learned from their own experience. Im curious to see what others have to say. Thank you in advance for any input. Cheers!
Is the loco DC or DCC ? Nano LEDS might fit. Ngineering has circuits for DC or DCC lighting efects. Joe
https://www.ngineering.com/lghting%20effects%20for%20the%20railroad.htm
It would be dcc. I was going to solder the light to the plug in decoder and set the correct cv to the strobe function. Just curious if anyone has done this. I saw a video online, but could not tell if it was HO or n scale… I’m modeling in n scale.
Alright! I am giving you an update. I started this post, and did not have many replies, soI took on the project blind. I think it turned out well. Here is my N Scale Amtrak F40PH with operational strobe lights and Emergency light (I got motivated while under the shell and decided to do this one too). Cheers!
-John Collins
Hi John,
As I said on another thread, that is impressive work, especially considering that it is in N scale and it was your first attempt.
Dave
Hello. Not strobes but miniature lights that illuminate areas
Nice work, John [Y]
Here’s your video directly embedded for easier viewing.
I have messed around in N scale several years ago but I don’t think I’d have the dexterity to handle a job like you did.
I recall seeing some of the F40PHs with a double-pulse strobe. Try that if you’r decoder allows it and see if you agree.
I did strobe lights on a pair of HO Kato F40s a while back and had nice results but I was using 1.5v micro-lamps. This was before so many LEDs were available. I think 5mm was the smallest white LED back then.
Thanks for sharing that video!
Regards, Ed
Hello! I too am planning to install strobes in my F40. I am curious where you installed the LEDs and used the existing strobes that come with the loco? Do you have photos of the project? Or a diagram? Thanks!