Hi, I have some Genesis locomotives that need their bulbs replaced (the Genesis ones don’t make the cut and they are poorly glued in the first place). What type of bulbs should I use to get the most similar light to what it was originally was? How would I make the double light (- -)? I have no clue how to change bulbs so information how to do it would be wonderful.
Many people have told me Genesis bulbs are not good so I want to change them out. And hopefullly it can be a learning expericence as well (15 year old newbie).
These units are SP Blackwidows and ATSF Warbonnets.
Thank you!!!
-Case Wiseman
Case,
The Miniatronics 1.5v 15ma bulbs are good replacements. I’d try Walther’s “Goo” rubber cement for fastening them in. It allows for some flexibility but holds the bulbs. You should be able to put a bulb in each of the openings in the “dual sealed beam” headlight, where appropriate.
Have fun!
Dave
I see they have different colors (red, yellow, clear, etc.)
What color would I want to use to mimic what is already installed? These are ATSF Warbonnets and SP Blackwidows.
How do I take the old bulbs out without causing too much damage [xx(] ? Somebody told me to use a drill but I have no clue how to use it on this project. Should I use a certain bit?
Thanks
Case Wiseman
Case,
I assume you opened up the locomotive and can see the wires running from the bulbs through the cab to the two tabs on the light board? Pu***he black tabs off the light board and pull the wires off and out through the cab interior.
You should be able to just pull the bulbs out from the back of the light housing. I believe they use some kind of silicone to hold them in. I don’t see where any drilling would be necessary! Clean up the housing, removing the extra silicone. Install the new bulbs (clear for the headlight; probably one clear and one red for a MARS light, if it has one) and Goo them in or use silicone cauking, like they did.
You are not doing DCC, right?
Hook the clear bulbs up to the contacts you removed the old ones from and the red bulb up to the center contacts on the back of the light board.
Good luck,
Dave
The engines I have do not use Mars lights but I am curious why it has to be attached to the center contacts on the back of the light board.
On my locos, there are two black tabs. One houses the head light and the other houses the dual light (- -). On the dual light, the two bulbs share the same set of wires that connect to the one terminal. When I go to replace the bulbs, is their like a socket that I reuse to get them on the same wire like they used to be? Or do I have to use another terminal?
Thank you, sorry if I sound confusing, I sure think so! [:D]
The original double lights are made with two separate bulbs.
No, there is no socket. The wires go directly into the light bulb so generally you have to replace the whole wire or splice into it somehow.
Are these bulbs burnt out or are you just replacing them because you heard they weren’t so good?
Doing it because heard they weren’t so good. Also, they are poorly glued in to start with, so I want to clean it up too.