One of the numerous benefits of Digital Command Control operation is the ability to have the locomotive lights prototypically working when the locomotive is stationary as well as moving, but the UK manufacturers aren't very helpful in this respect and the lighting systems installed in the ready to run stock is in my opinion disappointing. The Heljan class 47 has full working lights although bulbs rather than LED's have been used so they aren't very bright, Lima brought out the class 67 with only the marker lights working using bulbs and with dummy headlight and tail lights! The latest Bachmann class 37 has superb working headlight and marker lights which are nice and bright but no working tail lights! All the above failings can be put right with a little work. Now as my layout is a loco stabling point I needed flexibility with the lights, on certain classes for example, class 31, 67, 86 and 87 independently operated head and marker lights have been fitted. These lighting kits were specials done for me by Rob from Express Models who I highly recommend. I have also had special tail light kits made to address the problem with the Bachmann class 37 this may not be important to everyone especially those with continuous run layouts where the locomotive hauls trains as the tail lights wouldn't be seen or illuminated however for my layout where locomotives trundle round 'light engine' this is important.

Bachmann class 08 shunter (Click images to see full size)

The latest challenge for Express Models was to produce a lighting kit which I could fit to my  Bachmann class 08 shunter fleet and pictured below are the results. The kit uses a mix of miniature LED's and fibre optics and are fitted to the existing Bachmann moulded lamps. Using a four function decoder all four lights can be switched on or off independently.

Bachmann 08 cab end lights illuminated	Bachmann 08 nose end lights illuminated

Bachmann class 37 locomotive  (Click images to see full size)

Pictured below 37698  (left picture) with factory fitted head and marker lights illuminated and (right picture) with express models tail light kit installed and illuminated, if you would like to see how the lights were fitted go to John Humphries tutorial here.  

Bachmann class 37 head and marker lights illuminated	Bachmann class 37 tail lights illuminated

Lima class 122 'bubblecar'  (Click image to see full size)

The latest challenge was my Loadhaul livery Class 122 route learner this just had one pair of marker lights each end which in real life are illuminated yellow when going forward and red at the end trailing. This problem was solved by using bi-colour LED's for the marker lights which can be illuminated yellow or red. For the headlight I drilled some replica railways dummy high intensity headlights which were then glued over holes I drilled in the body of the bubblecar, bright white LED's were then fitted for headlights, this kit once again was courtesy of Express Models.

Class 122 markers and headlight illuminated	Class 122 tail lights illuminated

The light and function outputs of a typical 4 function Digital Command Control decoder module allow a locomotive to display more prototypical lighting behaviour. In addition to the front and rear headlight outputs found in most decoders many have at least another two function outputs allowing the marker lights, headlights and tail lights to be switched independently. My current decoder of choice is the Lenz LE1025.

 The Pictures below show the flexibility of the custom lighting kits by Express Models fitted to various locomotives.

Lima Class 31 locomotive (Click image to see full size)

Marker lights illuminated	Marker & Headlights illuminated	Tail lights illuminated

 Lima class 67 locomotive. (Click image to see full size)

Marker lights illuminated	Marker & Headlights illuminated	Tail lights illuminated

 Lima class 87 locomotive. (Click image to see full size)

Marker lights illuminated	Marker & Headlights illuminated	Tail lights illuminated

Lima class 60 locomotive. (Click image to see full size)

Most of my class 60 fleet are fitted with lights shown on 60011 in Mainline freight blue pictured at the bottom of this page. Although not prototypical the fact that at least it has working lights is a big improvement however in the quest for more prototypical lighting Rob from Express Models made a kit which allows day and night time running mode. This kit utilises 3 LED's in each cluster so the very small square outer marker lights can be illuminated. I have fitted a kit for evaluation to my 60033 which is pictured below. This kit can now be ordered from Express Models by clicking here.

Day running mode	Night running mode	Tail lights illuminated

Class 60011 fitted as is most of my class 60 fleet with a simple but effective lighting kit to see how to fit this kit click here.

Marker lights illuminated	Tail lights illuminated

For tutorials on fitting some of the Express Models lighting kits visit John Humphries Modern Image Model Rail website.

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