Train-tech lighting modules

Noel · December 1, 2017

What are folks preferred methods of adding coach lighting and/or red tail lamps and lighting to a brake van?

Below is a clip of a Train-Tech AL2 kit I picked up with a hefty discount. Going to try it on a brake van or a heating van. Very simple but will only suit models that can easily be opened every few years to replace the batteries. It has a motion sensor that turns the lights on as soon as rolling stock moves, and switched off again 4 mins after the last movement.

The alternate seems pickups from wagon or bogie wheel axles using springs rather than prosper bronze strips, a bridge rectifier, resistor and a capacitor to avoid any flickering due to single axle pickup (suit DCC or DC). I'm not keen on the idea of batteries for coach lighting unless I can mount the battery under the coach for easy access rather than opening up.

Irishrailwayman · December 2, 2017

I have used a OO kit from First Class Trains previously which included a rechargeable battery, on/off switch, recharge socket/plug/wiring, copper strip and LEDs/resistors. A red LED lamp could be added to provide a rear lamp to brake ends. You had to buy a transformer which could take 10 coach leads. They now only supply them with wheel pick-ups.

I have thought of using the Train-Tech kits for coach lighting but would prefer an on/off switch (for use when transporting stock - no point them being lit up in their boxes) and ready access to change batteries. No doubt the kit could be bashed to provide these.

Noel · March 22, 2018

Coach lighting. Train Tech CL2 'Warm White' coach lighting strip installed. I prefer the warm yellow tint to the modern white/blue tint option. May need to tidy up a little light bleed. I like the low light levels on these units.

These train tech modules are so simple to install. I will just do a few coaches for the time being and see how long the batteries last with the motion sensor switching. I plan to try a DIY version using DCC track power on some cravens.

murrayec · March 22, 2018

Hi Noel

Disconnect the battery unit from the light strip, and install it under the chassis with wires back up to the strip- then you can pop the battery out easier!

A tail lamp can be added to the strips at the end, the dots on the strip are soldering tabs to add additional lights- don't forget the resistor....

Eoin

Edited March 22, 2018 by murrayec

Noel · March 22, 2018

1 hour ago, murrayec said:

Hi Noel

Disconnect the battery unit from the light strip, and install it under the chassis with wires back up to the strip- then you can pop the battery out easier!

A tail lamp can be added to the strips at the end, the dots on the strip are soldering tabs to add additional lights- don't forget the resistor....

Eoin

Thanks Eoin. I had thought of that for future evolutions, and also the future option hooking up the strip to track pickups via bridge rectifier, resistor (16-20v AC to 3v DC) and a capacitor for flicker free operation. Tail lamp should be ok direct onto the strip as it is already a 3v bus. The MM coaches will need a little treatment for light bleed at the roof/side joint and also through the thin roof (i.e. coat of dark paint inside or tape). I'm pleased though with how the lights look in daylight operation which is what I intended rather than simulated night ops with the room lighting off. Now that the EGV roof is sorted its time to start some gentle weathering.