Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Lights on Passenger cars

760 views
1 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2010
  • 225 posts
Lights on Passenger cars
Posted by fender777 on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 6:11 AM

I have some older Bachman Passenger cars that light up.I notice when I place them on my new Dcc track they still light up.What effect if any will this cause.Good or bad for the cars or track.Thanks

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,342 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 6:31 AM

Depending on how old they are and what kind of lighting they have, they will probably be fine.  If they are designed for lower voltage, though, the bulbs will eventually burn out.  At that point, you can replace them with higher voltage bulbs, or with LEDs.

These lights can use a lot of power.  With one or two cars, you probably won't notice it unless your DCC system is already underpowered for your layout.  Each car, though, will take a bit more power, so long strings can affect performance.

One thing you might consider is a siding with a kill switch where you can put the cars and power them down when not in use.  This will both reduce power consumption and increase bulb life.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!