1. I found the microelectronics pages in my walthers catalog. I'm looking at the manual for a TCS A6X at the same time for resistor values. What did you use? Would the resistors for a T1 differ from an A6X, or possibly and NCE decoder (El bob oh, please feel free to help). The table in the decoder manual has 12, 14 and 16 track volt values, which is the voltage for DCC? 2. Would a 1/16th inch drill bit work for the holes for the bulbs?
First, 1/16" = 0.062" and the 1.2mm bulbs are 0.053" in diameter. Secondly, the A6X decoder already has the 1.5v driver circuit on the board. See the diagram excerpted from the manual:
When I did my Athearn blue-box GP38-2s and GP40-2s, I used the DW detail part. Didn't put in a light circuit (how prehistoric is that?). I also used the DW rotary beacon (sorry, don't remember the part number) on all my diesels, and they'll go on my prepainted engines as well. On the nose Gyralites, I carved the hole in the nose with a drill and Xacto number 11 knife, and carefully sanded it level and square.
I'm about ready to place an order for the detail parts (5 chime horns, roof beacons, a gyro light). I am looking at my new Athearn SD45 and the gyro light on it looks smaller than the UTP light. Will the 1.2mm bulbs work with the UTP gyro light? And what about the one on the Athearn SD45? Edit: Bob, where do you get these resistors? Does Walthers carry them?
Ethan: I get mine from an Electronics supply firm on line. I would suggest that you try the Radio Shack in Joplin. The one on the west side of town. The one in Pittsburg may have them also. Bob
I have looked at the one in the Pittsburg Mall before and they don't have 680 or 750 ohm resistors of any watt/hour. I guess next time I'm in Joplin I will look for them there.
El Bob Oh - Upon my return from a trip to attend my new granddaughter's Baptism in Wisconsin, I found my order from Walthers waiting for me. FYI, included in the order was one of the Utah Pacific (Tomar) NG-85 brass nose gyralight castings (Walthers 755-85). To my eye, it looks to be just as good & sharp as the pre-Tomar Utah Pacific examples I have. These are the ones to use for SLSF diesels in my book. Ken
I noticed a few days ago there were 8 of these Utah Pacific nose gyralights listed with a bunch of other detail parts for a dollar each on hoyardsale. But I was too late That would have supplied me for a long time. Tom
I put in an order at Walthers and now it's here. I got 3 roof beacons and one gyro light. I am thinking about making an article for the meteor on how to install the roof beacon and nose gyro light plus wiring it up for DCC. The Utah Pacific is actually made out of brass. They also have 5 chime horns that look correct for frisco locomotives (3 forward, 2 backerds) and they are brass also. The DW #106 roof beacon is correct looking beacon as well. And the base comes separate from the lens so that makes for easy painting. As for the gyro light you will have to carefully paint it white.
