18 volt bulbs,lionel postwar 022 and 072 switches, how can I tell? | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum

Jerry AOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have over 40 post-war Lionel switches on my layout and would like to know how to check if the Lantern bulbs are 18 volts or not. Obviously I want to use 18 volt bulbs to prevent overheating and melting of the lantern tops any help will be appreciated as usual.

Much thanks, Jerry

8/4/166:15 PM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

The easy way is seeing how bright they are burning. If they have 18 volts and are way brighter than expected, they're probably 12V bulbs. If they're the bulbs that came with the switches, it's not likely they're 18 volt bulbs.

The base of many bulbs have the type stamped in the brass, you can look up the bulb type and see what voltage it is.

8/4/166:18 PM

C W BurfleOGR Forum Member

As John wrote, American bulbs have a part number stamped on the bases.
The part numbers are standardized, and can be looked up in reference tables.
Usually it's ink, some are embossed.

Sometimes the design voltage is also marked in the same way.

8/4/166:29 PM

Jerry AOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Thanks guys, Apparently there is no way to check on a meter,right?

Jerry

8/4/167:13 PM

gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

No reliable way that I know of.

8/4/168:15 PM

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