I am wondering what does one use to replicate the large yellowish single headlight on an Alco RS3. Any clues?
Bill,
A “golden-white” or “yeloglow”(sp?) LED will do the trick for you. You can also use an incandescent bulb but they run hotter than LEDs. I use the golden-white LED for my locomotive headlights and have been VERY pleased with the results.
Whether you power with DC or DCC, you WILL need to solder in an inline resistor (1K-1/4 watt, for example) to your LED to keep them from burning out. I just learned from our resident electronics/DCC guru, rrinker (Randy), that if you are using an LED with DC; not only do you need to add a resistor, you will also need to add a diode (or another LED) to prevent reverse voltage from killing your LED. Here’s the direct thread:
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/884477/ShowPost.aspx
Tom
OR: 2 diodes with a 1.5V mini bulb across it in series with the motor. A bridge rectifier (4 diodes) serves for constant on.
I even use yellow grain-of-rice bulbs.Neat effect. Cost bridge rectifier $.50, bulbs $1 ea.
1.5Volt 30 ma. G.O.R bulbs are safe with plastic as they emit very little heat.
Just got back today. Thanks to you both for your input!
[:D]