Converting An Atlas Kato RS-1 To DCC And LED Lighting

After quite a number of tries, I think I've worked out a way to convert the old Atlas Kato HO RS-1 to DCC with LED lighting that works best for me. It uses the Digitrax DH165 decoder, which is designed for locos that use the Atlas style plastic motor and light board mounts. The big advantage of the Digitrax version is that the lighting contacts on the board for the F0 and R0 have reduced voltage that allows LEDs to be connected without the need for resistors.

In fact, the LEDs can be soldered directly to the decoder, as shown in the photos below. You just have to note the polarity as indicated in the decoder's documentation.

This is a relatively easy intermediate-level project.

This in itself is a big improvement over the original Atlas Kato locos, which had a single non-directional incandescent bulb that lit both headlights via light bars.

Although the LEDs don't get hot and threaten to melt the plastic shell, I did line the top of the hood with aluminum foil to prevent any light bleedthrough.

I also shortened the stock light bars so the LEDs would shine into them in their new position. You don't need to polish the ends, you can just score the bar at its new length and break it off, and it will light the headlights just fine as shown below.

Although the price of old Atlas Kato locos on eBay has gone up in recent years due to the price increases on new locos from China, these are still good-running layout-quality locos that are less expensive than equivalent new ones from companies like Atlas or Waltheres Mainline.