building lighted accessories

[HopperSJ]

Hey folks, I want to add some lights to some of my accessories and want to know what specific kinds of lights I may need. I am using lionel fastrack so I figured I would need something AC compatible. I went down to my local Radio Shack and they pulled out some 120VAC lamps that were smallish, but still kinda big for the scale. They were only one style and I wasn't convinced they were what I wanted. I also found a "flashing" lamp (bulb) on my own digging in the store, but while it said "good for model trains and other hobbies" it didn't designate AC or DC. All the LED's and other small lights seemed to be solely DC.

Any help?

[andregg1]

Hi
Try to use Christmas lights, so you can combine diferent colors.
and use 6 volt or less.
Andre.

[csxt30]

If I'm not mistaken, our bulbs are DC, At least the few I have are. I used to get them at junk yards, out of old cars, & run them with my AC transformers. I have some like that right now, with the little prongs on them, I think they are called Bayonett bulbs, that work. Hope I'm right & this helps ! Thanks, John

[HopperSJ]

I guess I will poke around and see if I have any DC bulbs lying around. Perhaps I'll sacrifice an old flashlight and see what happens...

any one else have any suggestions?

[Roger Bielen]

I use the various 12V mini sized lights from Radio Shack, I've also used 24V when I want a less bright, or hot, light. My lighting circuit is 12.6V AC.

[thor]

Light bulbs dont care what they get, AC or DC its all the same! So you can use grain of wheat bulbs if you need really tiny ones, or plain old bicycle lamp sized ones. What matters is the voltage they can handle. Anything from 12 to 24 should be fine.

[HopperSJ]

Cool!

My wife had an old pair of Christmas lights poking around from a forgotten craft project. I might try those just to get my feet wet, then probably head back to Radio Shack and see what I can drum up.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Here is what I use http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/206-10101.

For power I use an old computer power supply which puts out 12 volts DC and the lights look and work just fine.

[jkerklo]

Go to my web site www.Three-Rail.com and click the bar for "LIGHTING." You will find information on light bulbs for different voltages, light bulb holders, pictures of lights installed in layout structures, and sources of supply.

John Kerklo
TCA 94-38455

[Anonymous]

Here is what I use My old ho power pack . It's nice because you can dim or make them shine as much as you want. It's output is 12v dc. All you need is a one amp power supply