information on steplights

[csxengineer98]

this topic might have come up in the past...but i have never been on the model railroad end of this sight befor..so any information that you all might be able to give me would be most helpfull
my question is...
im thinking about putting steplights on a HO scale model locomoitve...i dont want to use LEDs becouse of the additional cost and hassle with an electrical board for the LEDs... so im thinking light bulbs...have any of you tried this..or know anyone that has tried this with success... and if so...what did you use...
remember i dont want the hassle of extra electroics..so keep your help within the wireing of a stock locomotive...like just hard wireing them to the exsisting lighting circits....
thanks for your help in advance
csx engineer

[Anonymous]

Tough question CSX--bulbs would probably create too much heat and I don't know if anyone even offers bulbs that small for steplights.

[csxengineer98]

someone told me that grain of wheet bulbs might work? any one have experince with them? do they put out alot of heat...and do they come in 12volts?

[pmsteamman]

why not try fiber optics

[AntonioFP45]

Hello CSXengineer,

I've read a lot of your posts on the TRAINS forum. Great input!

I'm not an electronics expert but there are now tiny grain-of-wheat type bulbs available on the market. Check with your LHS.

I'm electronically challenged but I have to agree with the modelers above that LEDs are the way to go: NO HEAT.

Try this: Check out www.RichmondControls.com

This company specializes in component/kits that make installation virtually hassle free for electronic "Klutzes" like myself.

Take care Amigo!

Happy Easter to you

[csxengineer98]

thanks for all your input... ill stew over my opptions ... and ill talk to my hobby store person about the light bulbs..
csx engineer

[cacole]

In my opinion, grain of wheat bulbs would be way too big and bright for use as a step light. Fiber optic strands between the headlight and steps would probably be more appropriate in both illumination and size. There are bulbs smaller than grain of wheat, too. Grain of rice bulbs, for example. And some that are even smaller than that -- the 1.5 volt bulbs that Athearn uses in their newer Genesis locomotives. Unfortunately, no one but Athearn seems to have bulbs as small as these.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

In my opinion, grain of wheat bulbs would be way too big and bright for use as a step light. Fiber optic strands between the headlight and steps would probably be more appropriate in both illumination and size. There are bulbs smaller than grain of wheat, too. Grain of rice bulbs, for example. And some that are even smaller than that -- the 1.5 volt bulbs that Athearn uses in their newer Genesis locomotives. Unfortunately, no one but Athearn seems to have bulbs as small as these.

The only problem with these bulbs is their life. The small 1.5 volt bulbs have a life of 500hrs or less.

[Anonymous]

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/296-500
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=&scale=&manu=475&item=1807510&keywords=&instock=Q&split=30&Submit=Search

[Anonymous]

I think the fiber opotics way would be better, string it from the main headlight to the steps and your set, 1 bulb to change when needed, and no new electronics to try and force into a small space.

Jay