Putting a decoder in an older Loco

[jtudor]

I am putting a decoder in an older Bachmann GP-18. I have the decoder installed and working but have one question about lighting.

The decoder has an output for front and rear light, but currently the loco only has one light.

If I wanted the light to stay on all the time, would I connect both outputs to the single bulb?

Eventually I want to replace the single bulb with directional LED's, so any recommendations there would be appreciated also.

 

[CanuckMark]

Hooking two outputs together could potentially damage the output circuit(s), depending on the design of the circuit. Even if it doesn't, you should only need to hook up to one output.

You should be able to hook up to one of the outputs, then program it to do what you want by changing CVs. Most decoders have numerous choices for what an output does (directional on/off, on all the time, mars light simulation, etc.). You'll have to check the manual or let us know which decoder you are using.

Mark