I reviewed posted threads and explored the internet but remain uncertain how to proceed.

I revived a 2-8-0 from my junk pile with a parts purchase from Bachmann. I will say Bachmann did a great job with my order. I had removed the circuit board a long time ago so I retraced the hard wiring and installed a TCS T1A Decoder. All programming went well except I can't get the front light to light.

The Model Spectrum is 11410. Bought new guessing 2005 or 2006 era. I'm not sure if existing light is a bulb or a LED. The parts list looks like a bulb. I did wire the light to an aux power source and slowly increased current until the light lit green and then backed off. So the light appears to be ok...

As to wiring...and to be on the safe side I installed a 1K ohm resister between one of the light wire leads to the blue wire lead of the decoder and the other light wire lead to the white wire of the decoder. I then switched around the light lead wires...same results..still no light.

Questions:

1) If it's a bulb do I need a resistor? Could having the resistor installed be my problem?
2) Is there a CV Function that permits the light from lighting. I use a Lenz LH100 Keypad. In all my years messing around with DCC and decoders...I never had to be concerned with any associated function.   
3) In checking the resistor, I had conductivity across the leads.

Any help of course is appreciated.     
Russ Daley

I have not posted for years but I am a steam guy.....I have many Spectrums 2-8-0 and 4-6-0 (around 2004 Era) that need parts which most are not available. I'm willing to trade or buy parts and assemblies with anyone who also needs parts. If anyone reading is interested in swapping...let me know...I'll tell you what I have and what I need.

Well Happy Coming Birthday.....I'm 66 and really don't get into the hobby until cold weather....had the best train season this year than I've had in many years...spent a great deal of time this year trying to get some engines to run, learning how...remembering...etc...

thanks for your contributions Rich....

Never mind Rich...After some more research I think I got it down...thank you...next adventure is getting a double crossover to work...oh boy....

Thanks Rich....Install in Blue Common correct?

Enjoyed viewing your layout. I really liked the usage of horse and carriage and old vehicles. I'm trying to find some affordable vehicles of that era. Jordon, had some nice trucks but they went out of business...Nice job Ken.   

I read several post on circuit board removal and headlight bulb/LED replacements but remain a bit confused on whether I need to add the 1K resistor when removing the circuit board and direct wire to decoder. The Engine is a Spectrum 4-6-0, probably purchased 2004-2007 time frame. To be honest....I couldn't tell you if the front headlight is a bulb or LED. The rear backup light looks like a bulb. The parts list really doesn't define. I do know that when I direct wired the light to a DC transformer I get the "dim" clear light same as in DCC and not the assumed LED green light I see on other engines. I can live with the dim light but I want to avoid burning out the existing light whatever it may be.

So questions are....I know what a resistor does but what exactly will the 1K resistor do in this circuit? Why a 1K? Do I need a resistor in my hard wiring regardless if the light is a bulb or LED? 

thanks,     

I couldn't tell you...I took my two cars to the local hardware store where they actually keep things like this unpackaged in little bins and fitted them right there. Not sure if the pin is an universal item. Different manufacturers probably used different sizes.   

Cap rivets also work very well....

I really enjoyed reviewing your entire thread of the progress and work on your layout...it brought back memories of when I basically did the bulk of mine from 2003 through 2006. Memories of many weekend mornings of getting up early...crabbing a cup of coffee...get a good western on TV and just do it..... 
Very nice Jonathan.....

One side note...my layout is a 12' x 26' wrap around against the wall with a duck under entrance. I was unsuccessful in making a hinged lift up. Well 18 years ago I didn't mind the ducking as I sometimes do now...but I have learned to limit the under travel....good old bones...

Thanks fellows...It's a great hobby and I'm glad it has caught my interest again.

The photo I wanted to attach is the Chassis Assembly H11408 as shown in the Bachmann Parts Listing for the 2-8-0, actually it's the first item...and out of stock. I believe I purchased in 2004 or 2005.

But my question is should the wheel and slide rod assembly be somewhat free turning 360 degrees? further on this...I would assume that the gear must also be free turning too...What exactly are the Crosshead Guides? 

I'll look into the photo sharing as I would like to share photos of my layout...
Thanks again...       

I may have a wheel and slide rod binding issue. Motor runs and and I "assume" at this point, the gears are engaged. To further troubleshoot...when installed in just the chassis, how free turning should the wheels and slide rods be. I get about a 1/4 turn before I get into a bind. Any advice or reference to free up the bind. I wanted to attach a photograph but Upload Folder appears full. The photograph I was referring to was Chassis Part Assy H11408. 

Any help is appreciated.....

Thanks for the replies Rich...I found a nice TCS pictorial and with my multimeter was successful on the wiring and programming. Other issues surfaced like I must of dropped this baby sometime ago as I found some body damage and rod linkage damage. If others are reading this post...yes...you tie the engine rail pickup wires to the tender rail pickup wires and then tie into the correct decoder wire.   

Darn....

Yes...I met to say the two plugs between the engine and tender. One plug two pins, one plug four pins...

Sorry,
Russ

After all these years...gonna do this...just need a refresher...

Engine is Bachmann Spectrum HO 2-8-0: Has two pins...one pin has a red and black wire...the other pin has two yellows, one red and one black.

The question is...do I tie the two pin connector (Red and Black) to the corresponding tender pickup (either front or back) together then tie into Pins 8 (Red Right) and 4 (Black Left) ?

thanks