I just got some #71 Lamp Posts and I have no idea how to wire them up. I know the bulbs are 12-16 Volts. So would it be okay to use a Z transformer set at like 12V on the dial?? I have 6 of them. How do I wire up all of them to the A post on my Z transformer?? There are I think 2 wires out of the bottom of the lamp posts. Does one connect to ground: U and the other to power: A?? Thanks. I believe they use a number 53 bulb inside them.
Yes, connect one wire to U, the other to A (or B or C or D, as you wish). The number 53 is a 14-volt lamp. If they look okay at a slightly lower voltage, a small reduction in voltage will give you a big increase in life: Each 1 percent reduction makes any incandescent lamp last 12 percent longer, on average.
Bob Nelson
lionel2 Thanks. I believe they use a number 53 bulb inside them.
Thanks. I believe they use a number 53 bulb inside them.
Olsen's Toy Train Library is a tad inconsistent on this subject. At one point it lists the proper lamp as an L363 (aka 363-300 aka 151-51). These are rated at 14 volts, 0.20 amperes.
In another section, it lists the L53 (aka 53-300) rated at 12-16 volts, 0.10 amperes.
lionel2 I have 6 of them. How do I wire up all of them to the A post on my Z transformer??
I have 6 of them. How do I wire up all of them to the A post on my Z transformer??
Instead of trying to get 6 wires under the A nut, I'd run one wire from the post to under the table somewhere, and either use a wirenut to join the 6 wires to the seventh wire that goes to the transformer, or use a terminal block. If you use a terminal block, you'll have to install jumpers between each terminal so they are all powered from that 7th wire.
Naturally, if the wires from your lampposts aren't long enough to get to the wirenut or terminal block, you can use another piece of wire to fit between them.
Hope this helps,
J White
A proper number 53 is rated at 14.4 volts, 120 milliamperes, 1000 hours. The 363 is rated at 14 volts, 200 milliamperes, 250 hours. Either one will work fine; but the 53 is easier to find and lasts longer.
lionelsoni A proper number 53 is rated at 14.4 volts, 120 milliamperes, 1000 hours. The 363 is rated at 14 volts, 200 milliamperes, 250 hours. Either one will work fine; but the 53 is easier to find and lasts longer.
Thanks, Bob.
I don't know what "proper" means in this context. Admitedly the source that I cited is out-of-date by some fifty years or so. I presume that the #53 would be easier on the plastic parts, which have been known to discolor and even warp. That's neither here nor there. I'm still trying to figure out the wiring....
I assume this is the device in question:
http://www.postwarlionel.com/cgi-bin/postwar?ITEM=71
General Electric and Chicago Miniature Lamp specifications.
I looked them up in the Chicago Manual of Style but didn't find them. Seems odd.
What kind of lamp post would you say are the best kind? Best looking on the layout? I mean the #71 lamp posts are prolley the cheapest ones, at $10 each, but can go up to $25 each boxed. I like the gooseneck lamps as well. I wonder how many of these lamps can you string together and wire up to a single throttle on a Z or ZW transformer?? Thanks.
Using number-53 lamps, I figure about 125 of them.
Wow, thats alot. I might just wanna get a few more of them and make it an even 10 lamps for my mini city on my layout. If the wires are deteriating, how do I replace the wiring and put in new wiring on the 71 lamp posts?? Thanks.
lionel2What kind of lamp post would you say are the best kind? Best looking on the layout?
What kind of lamp post would you say are the best kind? Best looking on the layout?
It's personal preference, but I have some streetlamps that are closer to scale and cost a dollar at the Dollar store. They have pea lamps for bulbs, and a ZW can power at least a few hundred of them at realistic lighting levels.
For just a few dollars, the craft stores(Michael's, eg.) you can find the more ornamental lights & lampposts like the 71's.
Rob
lionel2Wow, thats alot. I might just wanna get a few more of them and make it an even 10 lamps for my mini city on my layout. If the wires are deteriating, how do I replace the wiring and put in new wiring on the 71 lamp posts?? Thanks.
I have a couple of #71's from my original set and had to rewire them last year. Just gently pull the bulb socket out and solder one wire to the bottom and another to the side or if the originals are still there you have a guide. Easy does it though because it is easy to crack the bodies on them. You can use fairly light gauge wire. I forget what I used because I just used what I had on hand which was thin speaker wire, but 20 or 22 should do it. Some others here on the board will be able to answer that better than I. I am also using #1487 14 volt screw mount bulbs I got at my local Radio Shack and they seem to be fine. I run them off the 11 volt tap of my 1033 which is posts B and C.
Mike
Ok, Thank you everyone. I would like to stick with the Lionel brand 71 lamps. Thanks for the tips on rewiring.
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