Converting to LED?

[MatroxD]

Hi, I am new and have a mixed small layout that has HO and N scale. My HO engines have led in them for driving lights. I have one of the reef 0-4-0 switchers, and it has an analog bulb in it. I much prefer the less brightness and color. How exactly, and what would I need to convert the switcher bulb to led? And I'm wondering if it will do like my alro s2 and gp40 in that it will pretty much be illuminated even if the switcher engine is running slow? Or is that within the actual wiring of the two HO engines?

Thanks a ton and glad to be here and enjoying this hobby..

[MatroxD]

I guess boo one knows. I'll have to buy another engine I guess

[TJ]

I guess boo one knows. I'll have to buy another engine I guess

MatroxD , Please kindly give us some time to reply, it's only been a day. And may I suggest that you should not be that impatient .

Thank You,
TJ 

[spookshow]

What's a reef 0-4-0? Never heard of it.

[James in FL]

It's not that quick and easy at first but soon becomes so.
First, have you decided on color temperature? (Daylight, bright white, cool white, warm white, etc.).
Then, have you decided on the LED's you are going to use?
What is rating of said LED? Forward Voltage and current (amp) draw?
Where are you pulling power from? The trucks or frame, or the board (the voltage will be different, the board already has a resistor for the light.)
The brightness (intensity) is directly related to the resistor you will need. Buy several values to try, up to 1k.

You will wire the LED and resistor in series to the anode side of the LED.

What you'll need to accomplish this;
Time, patience.
Soldering iron and related paraphernalia.
Multi meter.
Shrink tubing or Kapton tape.

Many calculators on line to figure this out for you, here is but one;

https://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/ledcalc.php

Good luck

[MatroxD]

Thank you. I have even grabbed this, as I use my phone for most of my communications in forums.

I may just send up buying a new engine (good enough excuse to buy one) as I just finished my roadbed for my 4 lines, and honestly, I don't know now if I feel like messing with it. Maybe later..

However, thank you for this information

[MatroxD]

I have actually sidelined this little project as I am working on the scenery and roadbed. I think I am going to buy a new engine today eventually. Just to add to the collection, and switch them out periodically.

And as for the comments about a day and patience. I suppose I am just more used to forums that have more traffic(not to mention that people viewed the thread and its right there). But my keyboard was acting up and the post was wonky.. But I'll keep that in mind if I have to start another thread on this forum.