Newb Light Bulb Question

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Kinda a newb question - can a type 53 14V flashlight bulb be used on PW Lionel like say a basic 242 engine?

The blown bulb I pulled out was a type 53 and I happened to have a spare in the drawer and tried it - seems to work great. Type 53s are avail from places like radio shack and sold as 14V bulbs - flashlights mostly I think. The 242 seems to have a perfect receptible for a type 53.

Anything special about a bulb in an engine like the 242 or will a ‘generic’ bulb like the type 53 work just fine and last a reasonable while?

Thanks!

2

Basicly a #53 is a #53. They are not flashlight bulbs. General use low voltage lamps. The standard voltage for a #53 is 14v. You will find some lamps called #53 but rated for a higher voltage such as 18v or 24v so be sure to check the voltage.

3

Is a 14V Type 53 OK to use w/ an engine like my old 242? Or is there a ‘special’ or unique bulb I should use that is better suited?

I would guestimate the nominal voltage this train is likely to see is 10-18VAC.

Thanks,

4

You will be fine with a #53. Lionel used this bulb in just about everything that used bayonet based bulbs.

Jim

5

Thanks

6

You guys taught me something new today. Thank you. Jim

7

If your bulbs are rated for 14V and are burning out, you might want to substitute a higher voltage bulb (like an 18V bulb) and it will last longer. It won’t hurt anything in your engine or cars. Just the bulb will run cooler and last longer. Brightness won’t change that much.

8

A number 53 might be okay in a PW locomotive, but I wouldn’t use it in a PW locomotive because the track voltage tends to be quite a bit higher.

9

You can get a # 1445 that is rated at 18 volts. Will last allot longer but will not be as bright. Also if you want a # 57 bulb will be brighter if you want that. It is rated at 14 volts but is bigger and may not fit.

10

You can find a lot of information on light bulbs at www.Three-Rail.com .

Click on LIGHTING, then topics of interest.

11

Another option might be the new LED “bulbs” that are replacements for standard bulbs. They don’t generate the heat of a standard bulb. They’ve been advertised in CTT.