adding lights and coal to PE and Hogwarts Locos

I would like to know if red markers and a reverse light could be added to the PE tender. I wonder what it would look like?

quote:

Originally posted by Marty R:
For coal, do folks cut out the existing coal, or put a thin layer on top of the existing coal? Is that what the MTH bags of coal are good for?

I don't think using the plastic coal in the MTH bags is going to look right because the chunks are so big. You can always use them as stocking stuffers!

Not knowing if the PE tender is diecast or not, the Lionel Mikado that I did is diecast. Here are a few photos that I took cutting mine out and replacing it with Plastruct then adding coal. BF

Nice job! What did you use for coal and how did you fix it in place?

I used Waters O scale coal,and modge podge glue and water,50/50 mix. Make sure you use a little alcahol before the glue to allow the glue to flow. BF

There are connectors slots on the reverse unit board (DREU) FL and RL. They may be for Lights, not sure the rating. Maybe able to add directional lights to the tender with a tether. G

quote:

Originally posted by GGG:
There are connectors slots on the reverse unit board (DREU) FL and RL. They may be for Lights, not sure the rating. Maybe able to add directional lights to the tender with a tether. G

FL & RL on the DREU board are for "Forward Light" and "Rear Light" on diesel units, and steamers with directional lighting. From what I've seen, they generally drive bulbs in the 14V - 18V range.

The PE & Hogwarts headlights are wired direct, instead of through FL, so the headlight doesn't turn off in reverse.

Len2, Thank you good to know. I am starting to Map the DREU. This would make a nice replacement for conventional engines with DC motors.

The SMD Diodes are 5 amps, and the Power transistors are rated at 8amps but only 36Watts. Has good heat sink. Looks like it has the TRIAC for Smoke that is on the R2LC.

Do you know what the S04 code is on the 8 pin microchip?

The LED headlight on the HOGWART is a nice simple design also. Would be a nice harness for those wanting to add CV Led to older units with out having to make them. G

I've got a diagram of the connector layouts for the various versions of the DREU at the shop. When I get back to work Tue (Took a long weekend after the post-holiday, "We got this for Christmas, but it doesn't work.", rush.) I'll post that info.

Sasquatch, nice job...that looks very good.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sasquatch:
I used Waters O scale coal,and modge podge glue and water,50/50 mix. Make sure you use a little alcahol before the glue to allow the glue to flow. BF[/QUOTE

Sasquatch I searched for Waters O scale coal and found nothing. Closest was lionel simulated... Do you have a link or vendor/ thanks

Sorry Marty, It's Walters O Scale Coal. BF

quote:

Originally posted by Sasquatch:
Sorry Marty, It's Walters O Scale Coal. BF

I'll bet he means Walthers O Scale coal.

I found these on the Walthers site
http://www.walthers.com/exec/s...lit=30&Submit=Search

Which coal would folks recommend? Sorry to be a pest.

This is the one I used.(653-SE0753) Take your time when doing this. BF

quote:

Originally posted by GGG:
Len2, Thank you good to know. I am starting to Map the DREU. This would make a nice replacement for conventional engines with DC motors.

The SMD Diodes are 5 amps, and the Power transistors are rated at 8amps but only 36Watts. Has good heat sink. Looks like it has the TRIAC for Smoke that is on the R2LC.

Do you know what the S04 code is on the 8 pin microchip?

G

The code on the IC chip is the revision level, e.g., S04, A02, etc., and also indicates funtions the board can handle. I believe S04 indicates it can handle a smoke unit.

If you hold the board with the plug connector to your left they are, top to bottom, left to right (NC = No Connection, SW1 = Direction Lock Switch):

5-Pin Connector J2: Motor -/Motor +/NC/AC Return/AC Input
2-Pin Connector J4: Rear Light
2-Pin Connector J3: Front Light

DREU A0x/102 Can drive a smoke unit (SM):
4-Pin Connector J1: SW1/SW1/SM -/SM +

DREU AMx Mars Light (ML) board connections:
4-Pin Connector J1: SW1/SW1/ML -/ML +

Some versions have a heat sink on the Triac, some don't.

If you want a realistic light set up for the Hogwarts, 2 lamps above the buffer beam are correct, and one lamp at the top of smoke box door is also sometimes seen. Here is Lionel's Shakespeare Express.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Allen:
If you want a realistic light set up for the Hogwarts, 2 lamps above the buffer beam are correct, and one lamp at the top of smoke box door is also sometimes seen. Here is Lionel's Shakespeare Express.

Cool
Lionel doesn't seem to be selling shakespeare parts. I will lanterns on my list of things to look for. Nothing on the back of the tender then?
Thank you

I think I'd stick a light on the back of the tender anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by gunrunnerjohn:
I think I'd stick a light on the back of the tender anyway.

But.... that would ruin the whole realism of the hogwarts and polar express passing through a lemax village on an 11x20 Christmas carpet layout.