Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => Williams by Bachmann => Topic started by: silver69 on February 20, 2014, 11:18:41 PM

Title: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: silver69 on February 20, 2014, 11:18:41 PM
Just ordered a set of Western Maryland Alco FA's
Can't wait for them to show up.
Title: Re: Alco FA purchase
Post by: silver69 on March 01, 2014, 09:02:16 PM
got 'em today
Love the see through screens.

lubed the transmission and wired in series, nice engines.

Should have the B unit next week.

Next up is LED's
Title: Re: Alco FA purchase
Post by: WKT58 on March 02, 2014, 12:51:12 AM
The Alco FA-1's are really great looking and smooth-running locomotives.  I have them in Rock Island, Great Northern, and New York Central road names. 
Title: Re: Alco FA purchase
Post by: silver69 on March 02, 2014, 02:12:42 PM
http://rs33.pbsrc.com/albums/d78/redrr/Mobile%20Uploads/WMLED1_zpsfc4b91b6.jpg~320x480?t=1393787392
http://rs33.pbsrc.com/albums/d78/redrr/Mobile%20Uploads/WMLED2_zpsb422d8da.jpg~320x480?t=1393787388

Installed LED's in the powered unit, they look good.
Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: silver69 on March 04, 2014, 07:57:50 PM
Got the B unit today, what a beautiful set
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d78/redrr/Alcoset_zps1d06955d.jpg)
Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: RRAddict2 on March 05, 2014, 12:18:36 PM
Looks sharp, you may also want to add one small section of strip LED lights for the cab.  It is a little complicated as you have to run the leads to the back pickup and ground but the effect is great. I did this for my CB&Q F-7s and they look fantastic. If I can figure out a way to post a pic I will.
Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: silver69 on March 05, 2014, 03:34:39 PM
I'm thinking about adding an interior and cab lights.
With the see through screens on the sides I bet it would look great

For the headlight and markers I soldered leads to the bulb socket.
No movement like when I attached the leads to the front truck on my F7.

When I have the cab open I'll check out the rear truck for power like you mentioned.

Posting a picture is easy, do you have a Photobucket account?
Once loaded on photobucket you just right click the picture and save the url.
Then click the second button on the second row above the smiley faces in this forum and paste the url in between the brackets that appear.
Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: RRAddict2 on March 10, 2014, 05:58:07 PM
I use to tap into the headlight also but after the first couple of times it seemd I was making it harder than it should be. I started taking 26 AWG stranded wire and making small loops at the end just big enough for the roller screw to fit through and another for the ground on the other end. Normally you would use smale round connectors but the are too thick and the screws don't have enough thread.  TVR the wires to the side of the shell so the stay out of the way. I will post a pic of the ones I did tonight.
Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: silver69 on March 11, 2014, 12:18:18 AM
I did the same thing on a different engine except I used solid wire and it failed from fatigue.
Stranded wire is a much better idea when attaching to the truck.

I used electrical tape to secure the wires inside the shell.

Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: silver69 on March 11, 2014, 06:06:01 PM
email the pictures to me and I'll post them for you
Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: r0gruth on March 11, 2014, 09:23:19 PM
I have probably missed it somewhere but what is "TRV"?
Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: Joe Satnik on March 12, 2014, 08:42:37 AM
RTV? (Silicone adhesive sealant?)
Title: Re: Alco FA LED's added
Post by: RRAddict2 on March 15, 2014, 12:26:50 PM
I figured out how to post the pics, I started a new thread with the green cab lights.