Bulb/lamp upgrade recommendation (for conventional equipment operated at constant 18 Volts)

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I am in the process of adding TMCC (remote) capability to my B&O 8363 (Fundimensions) F3 Diesel by adding The ElectricRR Co “AC Commander” (ACCMDR Kit).

I am aware that operation of these systems (TMCC or Legacy) requires track voltage to be a constant 18 volts (versus a lower voltage in conventional mode).

My questions are related to recommended bulb replacements or modifications to accommodate a constant 18 volt level. If possible, provide specific bulb replacement model/part numbers and source of supply. For example, I have read some articles that suggest the use of replacement LED lamps. However, I am not sure this applies to passenger (Baby Madison) cars.

What is a recommended bulb upgrade for the “A” unit headlight?

When used, the consist “pulled” by this engine is typically made up of illuminated Baby Madison cars (e.g., 9519, 9523, 9517, 9048,etc.).

Depending on the car, there may be a single lamp or two lamps.

Additionally, Baby Madison cars with two lamps include some wired in parallel and others wired in series. For example the two lamps in a 9519 car are wired in series whereas the two lamps in a 9048 car are wired in parallel. Therefore, depending on the wiring in the car, the lamp replacement will likely be different.

In summary, the request is for recommended bulb replacements to accommodate a constant 18 volts for:

1.The F3 diesel.

2.Baby Madison cars with a single bulb and with two bulbs wired in parallel (i.e., in essence two single bulbs).

3.Baby Madison cars with two bulbs wired in series.

Please include (if possible) model/part number and source.

Thanks.

2

If your F3 has a #363 bayonet base bulb, it is a 14 volt bulb and can be replaced with a #1445 18 volt bulb directly. If it has the #161 14 volt push-in type bulb, there is no higher voltage bulb drop in replacement as far as I can see. The 9517, 19, and 23 take #8352 plastic wedge bulbs which are rated(?) at 18 volts. I cannot find reference to bulbs used in the 9048 car. See here for a listing of bulbs and their ratings, and to purchase. If you wish to keep the present 14 volt bulbs, you may need to install voltage dropping diodes for them, or install voltage regulating boards to drop the 18 volts to 14 volts.

Larry

3

I have seen Modern era Lionel diesel switchers with melt spots above the headlights, including some that used the plastic based bulbs. If you switch to higher voltage bulbs, pay attention to their amperage rating. I believe there is a relationship between amps consumed and heat generated. So lower is better. If I was making the conversion, I’d probably put in higher voltage bulbs AND put a diode in series with the lamp. Trainlarry mentioned 363 bulbs. IMHO, those particular bulbs burn hot. I would not use them ANYWHERE other than in a oil derrick with a bubbler tube. I generally use 1445 bayonet based or 1447 screw based bulbs. I hope Lionelsoni comments. I’d like to know which is cooler at any given voltage, a #53 or #1445?

4

53

5

Although the #53 bulb will run cooler, it is a 14 volt bulb, and unless a voltage reduction system is in place, would not last long at 18 volts. Would recommend an 18 volt LED replacement with bayonet base. That would solve both the heat and voltage issues.

Larry

6

The 53 does have a short lifetime at 18 volts; but so does the 1445. Both lamps are specified for 14.4 volts:

53 14.4 V 120 mA 1000 hours

1445 14.4 V 135 mA 2000 hours

The 53 draws 11 percent less current, which is why, at the same voltage, it produces about 11 percent less heat. The 1445 also has a specification for 18-volt operation. Since current and lifetime vary in a similar way among incandescent lamps, we can estimate that a 53’s specification would be proportionate at 18 volts:

53 18 V 133 mA 125 hours

1445 18 V 150 mA 250 hours

The 53 has half the lifetime of the 1445 at any voltage; but the 1445’s lifetime is pretty short to begin with. I know of no 18-volt miniature lamp that has a decent lifetime.

7

I have found using “G-Scale” lights very effective. The advantage is that they are readily available at train meets, and inexpensive. Typically they come in fixtures with leads already attached. Also a good source for higher voltage grain of wheat leds/bulbs.