Electronics and DCC

Hello everybody,

 I have a Stewart Executive Line ALCO C628 with a Soundtraxx Decoder installed, the rear lamp works just fine but the front lamp not so much... Everything appears to be wired properly and the decoder is functioning properly. I have never had to replace a bulb in any of my locos myself and I dont know what kind of bulb this loco takes. I know its a long shot but does anyone know what kind of bulb is in this loco? I assume its an LED but I honestly dont have a clue. I have called Bowser with no response and sent them quite a few emails also with no response...  I dont even know if I am giving enough info, again I know its sort of a long shot but any help would be appreciated

Thanks!

Don

Don,

Does the headlight bulb look like this?

...or more like this?

The first one is an LED; the second, an incandescent.

If it's an LED, it's probably a 3mm OD (outside diameter).  You want a "golden-white" (GW) LED.  They give off a slightly yellowish white light and will look more prototypical for your locomotive.  LEDs are terrific for headlights because they are VERY directional, run cool, and last longer than an incandescent bulbs.

For incandescents, they come in a variety of sizes, voltages, and amps (usually in mA or milliamps).  If it is an incandescent, it's most likely a "grain 'o rice" (GOR) or "grain 'o wheat" (GOW) bulb.

Don, also check your Soundtraxx decoder manual that came with your locomotive.  It should have a diagram or mention in there somewhere what voltage bulb works with their board.

Hope that helps...

Tom

P.S. Don, you gotta love those Stewart locomotives.  I have two: An FT A-B and a VO-660 switcher.  Those Buehler and Cannon drives pull and crawl like no other.

 Unless they made huge changes, it is most likely an LED. Hopefully not one of those literally yellow ones that are in the Baldwin Switchers, F units, and AS-16. I've swapped out the ones on mine for golden whites to give a more pleasing appearance.

                                  --Randy

Hi Randy, I've got a question, I've got superstreet vehicles, and I want to wire a bulb inside, not just to illuminate the interior, but I'll run clear fibre optic filaments for headlights and red filaments for tail, what size and watt/amp can I get away with without blowing the thing up?  I'm not close to a hobby store but Radiation Shack is just down the street.  Thank for any help you can give.  Alex

A full size one, or a scale model? And what scale? In a small model, a bulb can get quite warm in an enclosed space and melt plastic models. The 1.5V 15ma bulbs are a good choice for small spaces since they don't get too hot.

                      --Randy