I purchased two of these on ebay from separate sellers, and both run and look fine after installation of two different decoders: Tsunami in one and Revolution in the other. They are, I believe, an earlier run and a later run, but I couldn't tell you which is which since I know relatively little about modern diesels. I got these two because I liked the warbonnet theme and wanted two powerful modern diesels. Anyway, one ditch light does not flash or illuminate. I suspect the other may go before long as I hear that these ditch lights, or lights in general, don't fare well on Genesis models...some of them. I have a photo below of the nose of the affected model. My Fix-it guy says it is burned out, but he would like to install a suitable replacement of a slightly higher voltage so that it won't burn out so quickly. Would any of you have some tips or sources you'd care to offer? I like the locomotives, and would prefer to have all the bells and whisles...and lights work as intended. Thanks in advance.
I have three of these units in various states of disrepair over the same issue. The bulbs just don't last (I'm also using a NCE decoder). I've looked at LED's and will probably go that direction, as ATSF units didn't have the alternating flashing ditch lights anyway, so I just need a constant light. I have been told by a TCS dealer that they're decoder runs the 1.5v bulbs without needing a resistor. I'm tempted to just purchase one of those as well and compare.
I replaced my bulbs with the model power grain of sand bulbs, (they have a resistor allreay wired in to the bulb leads for 16 volt operation, but it's too high a value. after removing the included resistor and replacing it with an 820 ohm one, I connect to decoder funtion leads, and have had no trouble since.
Thanks for your replies, fellas. I can always cancel the flashing function, but I'll need to get the one to actually illuminate, and that will be with a replacement. Thanks, again.
Crandell, I do not have any Genesis series units in my fleet (HO). Im thinking of purchasing a F7. Since the Genesis series is relatively new; do these units come DCC ready as standard? If not; what do you have to do to to convert to DCC? Thanks in advance.
I do not do my own installations, but the friend who does says they usually have an 8 pin connector that works with some decoders. I had a QSI put in this diesel, with the problem ditch light, and it must be hard wired; there is no connector on QSI decoders.
Thanks I actually got a PRR F3 "Chicken Wire". Cant wait till it gets here. If its the older Genesis 2004 it will require a DCC board conversion. Let me know about your friend's DCC conversion recommendation. If its the newer 2006 version it will be DCC ready. Either way "The Good Lord shined down upon me a blessing". I will let you know when it gets here. Thanks
