HOW TO: Install LED Lights in ANY HO Scale Locomotive

This video depicts how to install LED lights and new lenses into essentially any HO scale locomotive. This could also be adapted for other scales, light configurations, and size of lights.

Thanks for watching!

[by]

Yea to be fair it's half a video. Would be good to see how to power them once inside the loco.

[marcoperez]

What no diodes? The wiring instructions are where on this video?

[olequacreek]

This is a good video. But numerous comments were made over the years something like "but where do you hook up the wires inside?". Here's some really simple directions.
If running DC (not DCC) then you will hook up to track voltage. But LEDs are bipolar unlike an incandescent bulb so if you just did that the LED would light up for loco travel in one direction only. You need to add a bridge rectifier between the track and the LED. Connect the positive output of the rectifier to the red wires and the negative to the black wires. Don't forget the resistors. Google it.
If using DCC the red wire of all of the LEDs connects to the positive/common/blue wire or terminal on the decoder. The black wire of the forward headlight connects to the white wire on the decoder and the black wire of the rear headlight connects to the yellow wire on the decoder. Some decoders have built in resistors. Read the decoder manual.

[ozarksfarmerhansen]

Must be a Union Man didn't show unhooking and taking the old ones off or hooking the new ones up in which would have helpful for the new guys.

[FloppydriveMaestro]

Bit useless since you didnt show how to actually wire them up.

[mack]

great video how did you power them in the engine thanks

[garytanner]

Oh, and how did you wire the leds inside the model, etc. otherwise this video is useless to beginners.

[jordo]

what are the ends of the wire connected to under the shell of locomotive

[cjdarts]

Lose the music. Its annoying and too loud when you are speaking.

[gandist-g]

Can you explain where to weld LED on the motherboard . Thank you very much my friend I like your video

[motorpurrr]

Essentially done? So you must run around the track with your engine while holding the wires to batteries.

[chrislef]

Great video. Thanks.

Now, I'm trying unsuccessfully to find your followup video on Installing the LokSound Select Direct and Speaker (as mentioned at the end of this video). Did you not make a video in the end? -Chris

[doxasnob]

Thanks! Love the intro, very different and amazing. Great install video as well!

[StudioGallery]

A bit useless without showing where the 6 lights get their power on the loco

[WestCoastRails]

Thanks for posting, funny as all this time Ive tried my best to keep any CA off the LED.
Seems to be just fine gluing it directly to the lens.
WCR

[trains]

Kick-Ass video!! I've been killing myself using fiber optics. That can be a pain bending and heating. Awesome how-to video!! I'm getting started on my locomotives soon as my leds come in!!!

[mariogrenier]

Hi. I have a question for you . I installed a led light on a ho locomotive, it works well when moving forward and goes out when reversing (normal) but it flashes...why? THANKS

[MegaChallanger]

No explanation for how to power or wire them?

[gpyt]

Awesome spazman! Thanks for the VERY useful how-to's....great techniques!

Wish the shells on my Atlas came off that