Proto SD60M ditch light installation

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi all,

Just recently purchased the afore mentioned SD60M, and it does have the dummy ditch lights and it is still wired for DC operation. I run DCC so a decoder install is a must. While anxious to get started on yet another install, I’m wanting to do this correctly and install true ditch lights into it too, something I have never done before. Also, I would not like to wire resistors to the bulbs if and all possible, I would rather have a decoder with the resisters wired into it so it’s that much less soldering to do.

I know that digitrax makes a drop in replacement for the board in the locomotive already, would it fit what I’m looking for? I’m not wanting a sound decoder either.

Thanks all for the help.

2

The Tsunami has outputs for 1 1/2 volt bulbs. I installed one in an Athearn SD75I, and hooked up the ditchlights, and programmed them for the crossing logic. Pretty cool. But the ditchlights were already there in the loco. I also would like to add ditchlights to a couple other locos, but it looks like a daunting install, routing wires and drilling tiny holes. Some posters have used surface mount LEDs. I am pretty good at soldering, but I have never attempted to solder surface mount LEDS. Go for the sound. You’ll be glad you did.