Thanks Roger,

So do yo have a particular part number of the right color LED that would be great?

I have a Spectrum, 2-8-0 HO and it is the older type with light-pipes in it and a filament bulb.
I  know I need a 3mm with proper AC/DC voltage, but I need a proper colors that would be the proper color for those old steamers.
Thanks in advance,
Steve

Quote from: Tom M. on January 08, 2013, 09:07:00 AM
I have done this for a couple of my DCC installation clients.  I installed a TCS FL2 function only decoder in the tender to control the lighting effects.  You program one of the two function outputs to "flicker" mode and I mapped it to be controlled by F5.  I used tiny 0602 SMD LEDs.  They only come in either golden white or sunny white, so I had to tint them to get the red and yellow fire glow.  This was done using Tamiya translucent paint.  One of each color was installed at the base of the firebox door in the cab and two under the cab to represent the ash pan flicker.   You also have to install a supplemental 2-wire wiring harness from the tender to the loco to pass the power to the LEDs.  The affect is not very visible in bright light conditions, but in dim light or night operation it is very impressive.

If you really wanted to get creative, you could program both FL2 functions to flicker.  You could then map one to F5 for firebox door and F6 to ash pan.  That would allow you to control and use the functions independently and/or both at the same time.  If you used this approach, you would have to use a 3-wire wiring harness.

Good luck,

Tom

Tom,
I am disabled, on a limited income and didn't really want to go to the expense or complexity of a decoder. Flicker candles can be purchased from Dollar Tree and already has the flicker circuit built in. They are warm white 3mm LED's and can be painted with translucent paint you mentioned ... BUT, it is 3 VDC!

Is there DC in the Connie that I can trow a resister on and install the flicker candle LED? Or maybe hook it to the headlight circuit with a small bridge and resisters so it is always flickering when the light it on.

Def like the Idea of putting small slit in the bottom of the firebox door. Let me know what you think and maybe everyone else can use that idea  also.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
.

Finally found the problem with my 2-8-0!
Checked the front axle and tried to fit it into the NMRA's metal HO spec. gauge, but it didn't fit.
So it was NOT made to the NMRA specs. Not sure of what I am going to do with it now, but at least I know the problem.

Hey guys, the E-cigs worked just great!!
Have one single small fish tank air supply going to all my factories with the chimney outfitted with e-cigs. LOVE the effect.
You can also use these with flicker LEDs for a fire effect.

I know the large scale 2-8-0 DCC Connies have firebox and ash-pan flicker ... so anyone made a modification on a Spectrum HO scale 2-8-0? Surely it is possible. Need directions and/or drawings showing decoder outputs. Tried to find instruction somewhere on line, but unable to do so.
Thanks in advance,
Steve

Still like this idea  also. But limited imagination in visualizing it.
Do you have any links or photos where this is being done?
Steve

Awesome idea ... does any manufactures make something like this?

Good idea!
But, if I can do that with out it looking like cotton, I'll be amazed LOL
Only prob I see with it, is when it is standing still, it still looks like it should be moving LOL
Wish there was a cleaner solution to achieving the smoke effect.
Someone could make a small fortune on that idea.

Have a 2-8-0 HO DCC Spectrum with great sound, but no smoke. Can I add a smoke unit and which type would be recommended?

Would Bachmann universal smoke unit PN-2911 work?

Thanks so much in advance!
Steve

Quote from: Pacific Northern on January 26, 2009, 08:42:37 PM
Bachmann did release a few Southern Spectrum steamers. I have a 4-8-2 Light Mountain as well as a 2-8-0 in the Southern livery. They certainly are striking in their Southern Green Livery.

Thanks...but didn't really want green because less than 5% of the steam engines were actually green. It would be more typical or authentic to have the more common basic black steam engines with Southern decals...
But thanks anyway.

Quote from: Jim Banner on January 26, 2009, 04:25:34 PM
Have you considered modifying existing locomotives or scratch building your own  to meet your wants?  This can be a very satisfying part of the hobby.  You might even enjoy the bragging rights that come with having a unique model that you did yourself.

Well I had planned to do a lot from scratch on the buildings.. but doing a complete Southern Crescent with all cars... would be a rather large task...
It had a fairly unique body style and colors and not sure where to start.

I am open to suggestions and can be contacted at ganerd@yahoo.com
Thanks

I was hoping to use Bachmann because of the quality and pa past history with Bachmann ...

I am doing a DCC HO layout of the 1948-1953 period in GA with a control system compatible with JMRI. Central of GA or the Georgia Railroad was very big .

Southern was the state of the art train system in the US. They were more innovative than any other system. The beauty of that era, as that it was a time when both diesels and Steam ran side by side. The last steam run on Southern was 1953.

I was wanting to run a steam with freight, a few diesels of that period  to swap out on it. and run a complete Southern Crescent with full DCC also.

I was surprised and disappointed that a search for southern on your site revealed little trains, cars, buildings, typical to that period and era.

Since you do not supply what I am looking for, you are of no use to me or the thousands of modelers int the area that seek to do the same as I.
I guess I will have to order a custom done engine at outrageous prices just to get what I need. I will not deviate from my objective that most other modelers in the area seem to do.

Added 1\29\09:  No sarcasm or insult were intended...just frustrating to find that no one ever has what any of us really need. Seems like others have a similar story in other forums....

So here is an idea...whey don't they just make the engines and cabooses in basic color schemes and include a decal set for all the different rail companies that used that engine. It would allow a greater variety but at a cheaper cost to the manufacturer??? Everyone could get what they needed and with a reduced inventory for manufacturers. Or would that be to simple?

The basic color schemes are difficult to do at home and make it look professional and realistic. It would be relative easy to change the colors of horns, handrails, and and decals.

Can I get feedback on that??

Quote from: Tim on January 24, 2009, 03:24:15 PM
Ganerd

EZ-Command does not have a computer interface, therefor it cannot be used
with DecoderPro.

All the systems on JMRI's list have a computer interface.

If you plan to do a lot of programming, by all means aquire one of the systems
on JMRI's list.

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

Is there a 3rd party workaround...
Maybe someone that makes an interface?

Quote from: ganerd on January 24, 2009, 04:35:34 AM
EZ is not listed as computable hardware nor in the drop down menu list.
Does anyone have a workaround?
Or should I get a controller in the list???

Does anyone have any ideas???