Taking power for van or carriage lights from DCC track

[idlemarvel]

I have recently acquired an LGB 3019N post van with internal and rear lights.
It has metal wheels with brush pickups to provide lighting for 2 internal lights and 2 rear lights. The lights are 19v bulbs not LEDs, at least some of them are not the originals. It works fine on DC and DCC by which I mean the lights work. Obviously with DC the lights go out when it stops but with DCC they are permanently on, which I don't mind.

My question is, what is the general advice on drawing power from the track not through a decoder. Does it matter (apart from reducing the available current a bit)? Could it interfere with the DCC signal? Any advice or guidance from the wise.
Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 1986]

Edit:

 

[idlemarvel]

Thanks Arthur. I have a Lenz CS which doesn't seem to mind the van being on the track. It triggers my LDT current detection module which is quite handy for knowing there is a truck on the line before a collision occurs.

 

[MyMiniatureWorlds]

I had no issues taking power for interior lights from the DCC track so far. One thing worth considering is that if you want a capacitor for non-blinking lights, you need to use a bridge rectifier. Another thing is that LEDs consume much less power so they might be a better choice.

You can read more about my setup here:
http://my-miniature-worlds.blogspot.com/2015/08/custom-interior-lighting-in-g-scale.html

 

[adverse camber]

I have multiple trains many with lights and sound. I run DCC. Before I put in a booster I was drawing 7 amps with nothing actually moving. The only real downside is that it all draws power and this can amount to a lot, but then real trains don't have lights that go out when they stop

Since the track voltage is about 24 amps the higher rated your bulbs are the longer they will last. LEDs are ideal but expensive to retrofit, though great if you are starting from scratch.