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This project creates lighted bumpers using the Lionel plastic
bumpers. Note: Lionel has lighted bumpers, but I prefer the plastic
Lionel bumpers because of their realistic appearance. A power diode
+ resister are inserted between one side of the AC current and the
anode lead of the LED. The cathode lead of the LED returns to the
other side of the AC. I used track pins to hook up to the track power.
The track pins are pushed into the end of the track to power the
unit. One could use a track power clip or other means to power the
bumper. It requires 12-20 volts AC or DC.
For each bumper you need:
- 1 Lionel Plastic Bumper (Lionel part number 12717 - pkg of 3)
- 1 1K ohm resister (RS part number 271-1321)
- 1 1N4001 diode (RS part number 276-1101)
- 1 LED (RS part number 276-330, but any 5mm non-blinking LED will work).
- 1 LED Holder (RS part number 276-079)
- 2 track pins (or one pin cut in half)
- Some 24 gauge wire
- Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
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Instructions:
- Solder the cathode end (the lead with the silver stripe) of the diode to one end of the 1K ohm resister,
and the other end of the resister to the anode lead from the
LED (figure 1). Note you need to use a low watt (15 or 20 watt) soldering iron AND a heat sink to
keep from destroying the LED.
- Solder some wire to the cathode lead of the LED. You'll need enough
length to reach the back of the bumper and to the back edge of your
track (figure 1).
- Slide some heat shrink tubing on the cathode lead of the LED to insulate
the cathode lead from the anode lead (figure 2). Heat the tubing with
a lighter to secure it (shrink it in place).
- Solder track pins to the anode lead of the diode and the wire
(figure 2).
- Next drill out the hole in the bumper to 1/4 inch. I had to ream it
slightly more by rocking the drill around some (figure 3).
- Paint the bumper if desired. I used some sort of silver acrylic
paint, then a brown rust color dry-brushed on for a rusting effect. I
also dry brushed some black on the front part of the bumper proper (figure 4).
- Insert the LED assembly into the bumper. Align the resister/diode so that
it won't touch the track and cause a short (figures 5-7). I ran the LED up
into the bumper, then installed the LED holder on the LED, then pushed the LED & holder back down into the bumper.
- To install, just plug in the track pins to the end of your siding and
install the bumper (figures 8-11).
That's it!
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