@kj356 posted:Thanks for all this great info. The conversion cars look great. I have done some similar but to keep it simple with the wiring use the Evans LED's for variable voltage they work great. I was wondering about a suggestion for an even softer light for the tail end lighted train sign name? The LED's are bright and have a very concentrated light pattern where as the regular bulbs are not as intense and spread the light more. I know you can use light diffusers and dull the light a bit but just curious on ideas for the tail end lighted signs.
Lionel uses multiple small LEDs in the drumheads they’ve recently produced - 4 in fact arranged on a circular mount. This spreads the light, which won’t happen with a single LED pointed straight at the back of the sign. I once tried using a single flat “Mega” LED from Evan Designs and actually had to mount it at the base of the sign angled slightly back at a reflective foil insert. It still has a hot spot in terms of brightness near the center of the drumhead.
