How do you install working HO ditch lights?

[TerryC]

Howould you put working ditch lights on a model locomotive?

keep asking keep learning
MERRY CHRISTMAS

[Mike Roque]

Howould you put working ditch lights on a model locomotive?

Assuming you have the actual lamps/LEDs installed in the ditch light stanchions, it's pretty easy if you're running DCC. You just need a decoder with at least two functions (one for each light), but you'll probably want a four-function decoder (One for each headlight, front/back; one for each ditch light).

It's as easy as connecting the lamps to the proper function outputs on the decoder. There should be instructions in the decoder's manual...

However, I'm guessing from your post that you're not running DCC...?

[TerryC]

Not yet webmaster.

keep asking keep learning
HAPPY NEW YEAR

[Mike Roque]

OK...

You'll need a circuit to make the ditch lights work and actual scale ditch lamps on the front/back of the engine (They make pairs of lamps with wired bulbs that you can just add on to an engine). Take a look at these...

http://www.accuratelighting.com/HOscale ... ghting.htm

[trainiac]

I'm testing a system that I'll soon be applying to much of my locomotive fleet-- if it works well. I'm using fibres from a cheap fibre optic lamp to route light from a central location in the long hood to under-platform ditch lights. I drilled two small holes near the steps to send the fibres through in bunches. I'm testing it on an Athearn GP40-2 where there's enough room between the chassis and the shell to curve the fibres under the platform (thin fibres curve easily). The source of light will be a 1.5V flashlight bulb hooked to a homemade diode-bridge constant lighting circuit (great money-saver when there's a locomotive fleet to illuminate!).

Speaking of which, a constant lighting circuit isn't too hard to make--it can even be done without soldering (although it's a bit of a stretch and I solder mine). All you need are six diodes:

http://www.mrollins.com/constant.html