I was finally able to get the coaches' interior lighting finished this past week. I used an old string of micro LEDs with a 3V button-cell battery. I was given these lights from someone else, so I don't have the original packaging, but it seems each LED regulates itself because 4 LEDs is just as bright as the whole string.
Here's a few photos of them.
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My intention was to do all three coaches from the same battery and I may end up changing my mind back, but I decided today to instead keep them on separate circuits. Currently the inside of the combine looks like this. But, I think I'll use button-cell batteries for the other two coaches. This way would actually be easier, especially if I add more coaches to this consist.
Using the same battery for all coaches also meant that the more lights connected, the dimmer they all get, which is okay up to only the pair of coaches (6 LEDs). Another downside of this method is the wires between coaches. If I could do it with really flexible wire, I'd feel better about it, but otherwise I'd be worried the wire will derail the coaches on tighter curves. I am very tired. So, this will be a very short post. Today I got the rest of my track supports in - almost. But, I finished enough that I was able to run my Forney at full speed with no issues (except for a slight problem with the grade - which I hope I'll be able to control a bit better when it is fit with R/C). Here's a short video from one of the prettier parts of my garden. Photos to come... Tonight I decided to try and run my Forney DC power on the first complete loop of track on the LHRR. It worked for the most part - though there are some sections of track I need to scrub to improve electrical connection. I will be running battery power, but it'd be nice to be able to incorporate DC power for a visiting hobbyist (or a young cousin who is gifted a very simple Bachmann engine...). There's not much to report other than that. I still have to finish the ballast, so that'll be happening next week.
Check out these photos I took of my trains on the first ever run! Once I bought my Forney I decided that I needed to have the proper rolling stock to go along with it. I did my research and found that LGB made a number of pieces to match, and USA Trains made a few more. So, I took to eBay to see what I could find. ... Long story short, after only a few months I've found almost every piece I need for a short-line passenger and freight train (sans caboose). I really like the coaches that LGB put out for this particular line. They are made to look like the proper time period the SR&RL ran and are detailed with interior seating, restrooms, and coal heaters. It would be quite easy to add lighting to them, which I may do at some other time.
For now, I've made two small changes to my coaches. They are so small that most observers probably won't even realize they are different. |
Hello!My name is John. This is my website dedicated to all things model railroading! I hope you enjoy! Archives
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