While doing some work on my fleet of locomotives this evening, it occurred to me that I can't recall seeing my idea posted in the past. Here is my method of spreading my white LEDs around without having to buy many extras: When I buy a newer unit with the white LEDs such as my recent two new Atlas SD60M's, they come equipped with white LEDs. My two older SD60M's have the yellow ones. I took the two white LEDs from the rear position on the new units and swapped them out with the yellow LEDs in the forward position of the two older units. Now, all four SD60M's have white LEDs in the forward position, and yellow LEDs in the rear position. This gives the illusion of "dimmed" headlights when the units are running in reverse direction. Other conversions I have made include swapping LEDs between older Kato C44-9W's and newer SD90MAC's. I am getting ready to rob the rear LEDs from my new Atlas B40-8's and moving them to some GP40's or LL GP20's. I've also got some SD40's and a GP38-2 that could use the brighter lights as well. It gives me a good excuse to expand my fleet with some of the newer models (OK, so that really isn't saving money). Of course, you probably shouldn't try this one unless you have a decent soldering iron and a somewhat steady hand. Also, be sure to match the proper poles on the circuit boards and LEDs when making the switch. I hope this is useful advice to some of you out there.
Kevin, I have no idea if there are specification differences between the white and yellow LEDs. You might want to verify that the current limiting resistors are the same for both bulbs. If not, you may risk burning out one or the other earlier than normal. Just a thought.
This is probably a very valid point. I took a look, and the dropping diodes on the new and old SD60M circuit boards are different (different colored stripes), which likely means that they do regulate at different voltage levels. I guess I have to add to my suggestion: "proceed at your own risk". It is likely that one or the other is going to be receiving above standard voltage.
This kind of brings up a thought i had about why Atlas went with a slower speed motor.With my Kato's the lights come on with very little power on the rails,the loco is barely moving,but with the Atlas locos that I have installed white LED's in the loco can be moving at a good speed and the lights are just barely on.I wonder if Atlas noticed this would be a problem and switched to a lower speed motor?Do any locos with the new white LED come with the old faster motor?The only thing i can think of is the re-release of the GP 7.(Did it have white LED's?I think it had the old motor.) Am I nuts,or does anyone else think this may be the reason for the new motor?
