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voltage of loco lights

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  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 57 posts
voltage of loco lights
Posted by johnnyt on Thursday, September 30, 2010 12:48 PM

Hi guys,I have a 1947 Marx # 999 loco that I recently purchased with the light burned out!I was curious about the voltage of these lights?I went to the hardware store and purchased a 9 volt bulb to replace it,it seems a little bright and I am curious if it will work for this loco without damaging the socket or the light lens and the number placard inside of the loco shell,from the heat of the bulb!I have the original bulb but can't read the numbers on it and can't seem to find anything on the internet pertaining to this!Any help would be much appreciated!Thank you for your time,and happy railroading!!John

I hate rust!!
  • Member since
    June 2005
  • 4,368 posts
Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Thursday, September 30, 2010 1:24 PM

This is more a question for the Classic Toy Trains forum, but I'll go ahead and answer since I also have a Marx 999.Big Smile

Most Marx trains use a 14V globe-shaped light bulb. There are two different sizes of globes that you can find, and I would recommend using the smaller option (easier to fit, lower current draw and heat, and just as bright). A hobby shop may have them in stock, but if not, you can get them from The Robert Grossman Company for about 60 cents each. They specialize in replacement parts for Marx trains.

I would recommend never using a 9V bulb with any trains, from the tiny N-scale to the gigantic G-scale. My Marx transformer has an output of 7-13V AC, I think Lionel runs somewhere around 12V, and American Flyer is as much as 15V. The standard today is 12V for pretty much anything up to O-scale, and as much as 24V for the really large scales. 9V bulbs will quickly overheat and burn out.

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Posted by johnnyt on Thursday, September 30, 2010 1:37 PM

hi,well I guess i wasted my 2.50 on that bulb huh,LOL!I should have got on here before hand!Thanx for the info,I thought as much,because it seemed very bright!But I did post this first on the classic toy trains forum first and was only getting replies to where to get bulbs!You gave me the info I needed and I thank you!

I hate rust!!
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 57 posts
Posted by johnnyt on Thursday, September 30, 2010 1:41 PM

Well heck they want 5.00 for a catalog to order from!!

I hate rust!!
  • Member since
    June 2005
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Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Thursday, September 30, 2010 2:07 PM

You can order online for free with PayPal. Here's their online ordering area, with their full catalog of parts: http://www.trainpartsformarx.com/shoppingcart.htm If you don't have PayPal, I'm sure you can call or e-mail them to order what you want. The light bulb you want is part #93.

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  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 57 posts
Posted by johnnyt on Thursday, September 30, 2010 2:38 PM

Thanx so much,just what the doctor ordered!!Woo Hooo!!!

I hate rust!!
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 57 posts
Posted by johnnyt on Thursday, September 30, 2010 2:45 PM

Wow! I got 4 of them for $5.40,score!!!!Thanx again!!John

I hate rust!!

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