BLI EMD SW2, Phase V Bulbs

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

BLI older EMD SW2, Phase V: Anyone know if this model has low-voltage bulbs (not LEDs)? Am about to buy and install decoder. Tried AA battery test and bulbs did not illuminate; however, I am not convinced of the reliability of that test (when I do it)!

Dante

2

AAs are 1.5 volts. You need 3.

3

I know they are 1.5 volts, but I thought that the typical low-voltage incandescent bulb used is 1.5 volts. (The LEDs are 3 volts, are they not?) I tested another loco with the AA and the bulbs lit up.

Dante

4

Pretty sure they used LEDs on all BLI locos. They are LEDs in the GG1, the M1, and the T1. Can’t imagine they’d go back to bulbs for the SW’s. Athearn is the only one stuck in the stone age.

Also, if you had it open to test, it’s pretty easy to visually tell an LED from an incandescent bulb.

–Randy

5

I have an early run of the BLI NW2 and it has factory installed LED’s. I’ll bet your SW2 does, too.

6

Thanks for the responses. Yes, the lights are LEDs protected by built-in resistors. I was able to simply plug-in a TCS T-1 with harness. All is well!

Dante