I've got a locomotive headlight that won't light. I took the bulb out and tested it using an ohm meter and it tests good. However, it won't light when running. The bulb in the caboose works fine so it can't be a voltage problem.
The wires are still connected to the socket, so that's not the problem either.
Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?
Have edited my title...it's a 4-4-2, not a 4-4-0. Sorry!
I do not suffer from insanity...I enjoy every minute of it!!! Over 60 and still playing with toys!
So many questions: Is this Gilbert American Flyer, or pre-war American Flyer? Is this a model of a 20th century steam locomotive or a 19th century steamer?
I ask because most of the post-war Gilbert American Flyer 4-4-0's were produced in the later years of the A C Gilbert Co. At that time the company was cutting back on quality to economize on production costs. Neither variation of the "western" steam locomotives came with a working headlight from the factory, and only the 21168 "modern" locomotive came with one. In the other units a shiney silver decal took the place of the headlamp, though some could have been modified by their owners. It would be helpful if we knew the locomotive # (as printed under the cab window).
I have figured out what is wrong with my brain! On the left side nothing works right, and on the right side there is nothing left!
Yes, it is Gilbert American Flyer. The locomotive has a bulb. I took it out and tested it. It is a steam locomotive...4-4-2...#302. Tender is marked "American Flyer Reading Lines".
Here is a link to a generic steam loco wiring diagram. I know it shows 6 drivers, but all the Atlantics were wired in a similar fashion. You will need to get out that Ohm meter again, because the current flow to the bulb is not a straight shot. There are multiple points where a solder connection could have gone bad. Based on my experience the two most senestive points of failure are where the bulb circuit comes off of the motor brush connection, and where the wires are connected to the jack in the back of the locomotive.
http://www.portlines.com/images/steamwiring.jpg
According to the information I've found, the locomotive is a Hudson, not an Atlantic.
Does this make a difference?
Check to make sure the bulb assembly is getting a good ground. Without it, the bulb will not light.
Larry
You're correct. My goof! Sorry!
I do know that it was working at one time. But, the locomotive hasn't been run for probably a year.
The bulb is attached to a metal bracket that is screwed to the chassis of the train. That bracket is tight to the chassis. I'll do a little more checking.
Thank you.
Trace the bulb wiring back to the jack panel at the rear of the loco. Put the loco in neutral and check for voltage at the bulb leads on the jack panel.
If you get voltage and the bulb still does not light,change out the bulb. I have seen bulbs check good outside the loco, but not work in the socket due to the bottom of the bulb not making good contact in the socket.
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