I heard that some HO steam locomotives have a firebox glow. What will be a practical method of implementing an LED or an illuminated device that can simulate a firebox on an HO steam locomotive.
Use a decoder that has an extra function and has a firebox flicker effect. In other words, most any but the most basic. NCE and TCS work well with LEDs or light bulbs, Digitrax doesn;t work as nicely with LEDs. Most of the soudn decoders also have flicker effects, if you want sound too.
–Randy
If all you’ve got is a basic decoder, you could wire a red LED up to the motor leads with an appropriate resistor, maybe a 2K or so. The firebox would be off when the engine is only moving slowly, and would gradually brighten as you take it up to full speed. It’s not going to flicker, but it’s a cheap solution.
You don’t say whether or not you use DCC. If so, the simplest solution is, as suggested, to use a decoder that can simulate a fire box flicker. If not using DCC, Ngineering makes a Furnace Simulator circuit that you could use.
I use DCC, but this is a good idea if not used. You could also use a flashing LED–it won’t flicker, but it won’t be steady on either.
Richard
Using tiny light bulbs.
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/gorhlite.htm
Using a battery operated tea light from a dollar store.
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/201462.aspx
Rich
Thanks for your ideas.
Alloboard,
Random flickering LED’s are available from:
Dave.
Several Spectrum engines have a red firebox glow built-in at the factory.