I've tried the search function on this forum on the bulbs LifeLike used on its passenger cars ... came up with a lot of LED forum discussions ... but was wondering what screw-in "flashlight" bulbs LifeLike used, their specs, and where was a good place to get replacements? You'll have to excuse me, I'm just getting back into the hobby after 40 odd years. Trying to "re-light" a LifeLike Silver Lodge passenger car.
bHQ8JDk
My solution is probably NOT what you want to hear but I would replace the antique incandescent bulbs (which will likely just burn out again) with some diffuse lens warm white LED's. The diffuse lens type have an inverted cone in the top of the LED to help reflect light to the sides of the LED. This would likely be a one-time fix as the LED's will likely outlive you.
I don't know whether you are using ancient (sorry, analog) DC power or have embraced DCC. If still DC, you would need some way to switch the polarity of the power to the LED's so they will light in both train directions. If DCC, I would install a function-only decoder and let it take care of the rest. Good luck whatever you do.
Hornblower
Like Hornblower I too would go with LEDs. I go bonkers with my passenger cars and you can do so much more using LEDs.You can get plenty of help from Forum members.I’m a weirdo and daisy chain my cars powering them from a baggage car next to the locomotive.The baggage car has power pickup from the rails charging a AA size Lithium battery for the entire train. The battery will power the entire train for hours without rail power, great when parked at my passenger station.I use Warm White 3mm wide angle LEDs which give great illumination at very low current.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California Turned 84 in July, aging is definitely not for wimps.
Hello —
I've tossed out a lot of screw-base 14V lamps recently figuring I'd never have a use for any of them. I'll take a look later and see if I can round up a few more and get a picture posted. If there's anything there you can use I'll send them your way.
I think that base is called an ES 5.5 or Liliput Edison Screw base.
https://www.bulbtown.com/Midget_Screw_Base_E5_s/968.htm
The #373 bulb looks like it might be what you need but without your measurements or a photo I'm just taking a stab in the (unlighted) dark.
Good luck, Ed
gmpullman I've tossed out a lot of screw-base 14V lamps recently figuring I'd never have a use for any of them. I'll take a look later and see if I can round up a few more and get a picture posted. If there's anything there you can use I'll send them your way. I think that base is called an ES 5.5 or Liliput Edison Screw base. https://www.bulbtown.com/Midget_Screw_Base_E5_s/968.htm The #373 bulb looks like it might be what you need but without your measurements or a photo I'm just taking a stab in the (unlighted) dark. Good luck, Ed
Here is another stab, Is there any chance that screw in base passenger car bulb is the same screw in base bulb that is in the searchlight car?
If so, the screw in base search light bulb in a Walthers catalog is Life-Like lamppost bulb item #433-1203 or as listed on a Life-Like box Life-Like Lamppost bulb #01203.
.636'' OAL
.206'' brass base dia.
How about the lighting from rapido trains easy to install also
Another vote for LEDs for anything on the rails. Incandescent bulbs are power hogs. I still use them for structure lighting and some street lamps, but for on-rail stuff it's LEDs only. As a DCC user, I've learned that my available track current is limited, so if you're using DCC now or are thinking of it for the future, do yourself a favor and start the conversion now.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasleyAnother vote for LEDs for anything on the rails.
Seems like the OP may not be following anymore.
There are LEDs with the E5.5 screw base he could use. I believe he would have to mount a pair of them, anode and cathode to each opposite rail otherwise they would light only in one direction but when the polarity was reversed the other LED would then respond.
They would certainly last longer than an incandescent filament.
Good Luck, Ed