I was informed that the bulbs on Genesis HO F units burn out quickly.
I was told to replace them with Microtronics, I think, 1.5v bulbs. Is
this difficult to do? I was told it is a tedious job.
Be aware that Athearn uses "micro-bulbs" rather than standard 1.5v bulbs. If
you use a larger bulb, you risk not being able to use Athearn's lampholder!
Also, I think you must mean "Miniatronics", right?
I replaced my Genesis F series lights with golden white LEDs from Richmond
Electronics. Basically, I just placed them behind the reflector so that the
led focus is right through the little hole. They look fine.
What I'd really like to find is a flat front LED (I've seen prototypes from
LEDTRONICS, but none for sale, and the color was too blue) to just fill up
the light area completely and discard the reflector. Some have suggested
sanding or filing the round fronted LEDs flat, then polishing them . I did
that as an experiment, and the result was kind of a point of light from the
LED junction rather than light filling the entire light well. There are
probably some light pipes which would work, too. Someday when I have time,
I'll experiment more.
If you replace the Athearn 1.5v lights with LEDs, you will need to use
resistors on your decoder (you have a decoder, right?)
Ed
in article X6YVe.73600$ snipped-for-privacy@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com, DCC Models at
snipped-for-privacy@unpublished.com wrote on 9/14/05 9:22 AM:
I installed a Sunny White SMD LED in an Athearn Genesis F3. They are
available from Richmond Controls, and they are so tiny, you should have them
pre-wired. You may need to enlarge the hole in the lampholder slightly,
because it's not only flat, but also square.
I have also ground down the tip of an LED just slightly and polished it with
Novus (a liquid abrasive). I installed this in the rear wall of the cab of a
Proto 2000 S3, replacing a long light pipe with a 90 degree bend down to an
incandescent bulb in the process. The results are truly impressive!
PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.