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LED Headlights on Model Trains
Marc asks readers:
Hi, Just wondering if anyone else uses LED’s to upgrade loco headlights? I use super bright white for my Diesels and they look amazing. They’re so bright that they actually light up scenery etc like the real thing when running in the dark. I love them, and think they’re heaps better than standard lights, and far more realistic.
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6 Responses to LED Headlights on Model Trains
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I use 0402 and/or 0603 SMD LED’s on my N scale locos for headlights, markers, and ditch lights. I try to use decoders with at least 6 functions so I can power all the lights independently. Much more realistic. The SMD’s can be challenging to work with, but the results are well worth the effort!
That sounds like the way to go Carl.
Marc, if you’re using steam, you can get “warm white” LEDs which look more realistic than the bright white for that era.
I model steam around 1936 and i use the warm white Leds as headlights they work very well and will also switch when running the loco’s in reverse
Use with a “current limiting device” (LM334Z), fitted with correct resistor to limit current to 20mA, makes a bright white or warm white LED act as a constant intensity headlight.
Awesome, Thanks for the feedback guys!
LED’s are great, but working with them can be real tricky. Not only do you have to be concerned with correct polarity, but the current must be correctly regulated. I have found the best Hi-Tech solution! It is a tiny surface mount) current regulator I.C. part # NS150010YT1G, available at Digi-Key or Newark Electronics. This device when installed in series with your LED will limit the current to 10ma, and will accept an input voltage from 0 to 50 VDC. The device protects your LED, and has a polarity mark like a diode, and is installed with the LED in series just like putting two batteries together, – to +, – to +. I don’t know why LED makers have not marketed an LED with this regulator built into the LED. They sell flashing LED’s, why not make a self regulated LED? I use this device with LED’s in signals and Loco’s with great success.