If the lights on your layout flicker, follow this advice that I gave to Paul who contacted me over the weekend. The answer was simple but of
Over the weekend I got an email from a visitor to MRE who was having problems with the LED lights he’d fitted into an engine shed on the layout.
The lights were coming on but flickered.
While an interesting effect it wasn’t the look Paul required and was disconcerting distraction on the Ratio model he’d spent ages making..
After a few emails back and forth the problem became apparent.
He’d connected the LEDs to the 16V AC accessory terminals on his Gaugemaster controller.
The problem, of course, is that LEDs typically need DC — direct current. Hence using the AC terminals was producing the flicker he’d observed. Actually, it’s likely that with prolonged use the AC supply will probably destroy the LEDs!
I suggested he use the DC accessory terminals that are available on the Model D controller being used and this solved his problem. (The AC terminals should be left to point motors, etc)
> A final, personal, note: I spend a huge amount of time testing, photographing, writing and researching techniques for these articles and pay for all the running costs of MRE out of my own pocket. If you found this article useful you can support me by making a donation on my fund-raising page. Thanks and happy modelling, Andy.
Andy is a lifelong modeler, writer, and founder of modelrailwayengineer.com. He has been building model railways, dioramas, and miniatures for over 20 years. His passion for model making and railways began when he was a child, building his first layout at the age of seven.
Andy’s particular passion is making scenery and structures in 4mm scale, which he sells commercially. He is particularly interested in modelling the railways of South West England during the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, although he also enjoys making sci-fi and fantasy figures and dioramas. His website has won several awards, and he is a member of MERG (Model Railway Electronics Group) and the 009 Society.
When not making models, Andy lives in Surrey with his wife and teenage son. Other interests include history, science fiction, photography, and programming. Read more about Andy.
I fitted front and rear lights to an updated Triang Dock Shunter. The white LEDs on the rear flicker when running forwards, the cause, back emf from motor. Haven’t done it yet but an extra diode in the chain should quench it.