K-Line Streamline Cars LED Strip Lighting Conversion - Bag/RPO

If you're using my regulators, the current can be adjusted down to around 3 milliamps.

@KarlDL posted:

Please read the post “K-Line Streamline Cars LED Strip Lighting Conversion – General” first.  This post details differences between that “general” procedure and the specific considerations of the baggage/RPO car.  As before, I converted an 18" car.

The primary difference between the baggage/RPO and other cars is that the full 7-triplet LED strip isn’t necessary, as lighting is needed only in the section of the car that is occupied when the train is moving.  Lighting also may be desired at the doors near the car’s ends.

The picture below shows three LED triplet strips placed to illuminate the RPO work area and the doors near the car ends.  Single LED triplets are used at the doors, while a strip of 3 LED triplets is used over the RPO work area.  The triplets at the doors are probably overkill – a single LED (and current-limiting resistor) would suffice in each location.  Or additional resistance could be added to limit current from the DC power feed into those outer strips and thereby dim them with respect to the center strip.

The current regulator was set initially for 25 mA total current, but then reduced to 20 mA, as the lighting intensity seemed to be a bit much at the former value. If the end LED triplets aren’t installed, the current regulator should be set for 15 mA or less, if possible.

Here’s the completed car, on the track.

Its much easier to use a 24 Volt strip and then only use one small section for the entire car.

@ThatGuy posted:

Its much easier to use a 24 Volt strip and then only use one small section for the entire car.

Would it be safe to assume that you are using constant track voltage and no regulator?  That might well work.

I may well take out the door-adjacent strips and replace them with a single yellow LED, set for minimal brightness, following some run-time with the car as-is.

@KarlDL posted:

Would it be safe to assume that you are using constant track voltage and no regulator?  That might well work.

I may well take out the door-adjacent strips and replace them with a single yellow LED, set for minimal brightness, following some run-time with the car as-is.

Yes sorry for leaving out that detail. For the marker lights you can but a small red (red cover) the led’s with a cover are softer. Place them facing the red lense. The lights will light. I did the on 20th century k line scale heavyweights.

I will post photos of the completed car today