Made an edit based on Pete's comment.I have all my track spurs connected to toggle switches so I can turn power on or off (park engines). I use lighted track bumpers as indicators for power to the track.
I have a few Lionel lighted track bumpers. These bumpers accept a screw in bulb. When I contacted Lionel about replacement bulbs for dead lamps I was told that the lamps are rated for 12 volts and so would have short lives on command control powered track (18 volts).
So instead of buying more 12 volt lamps I did an internet search for 18 volt. I came up empty on a screw in type that would fit the existing socket. However I have a whole bunch of Lionel track bumpers with no lights (just the hole at the top of the bumper).
This is what I came up with:
Parts needed -
1. Circuit Concepts CK1010-33B 18V Large GOW Bulb - Red
2. Lionel or any other track bumper (see below).
3. Atlas O track joiners (for my stuff), or pins for other track brands.
4. Plastruct SX-4 pipe clip flange
If you have the Lionel bumper the hole already exists - it is 3/16" diameter. The SX-4 will fit into it. I painted the normally brown bumper flat black along with the SX-4
Picture above shows the unpainted bumper and pipe flange inserted in the hole. If your bumpers don't have a hole drill one with a 3/16 drill bit. Do not glue in the SX-4.
Next cut the leads to length for the 18V lamp.
For Atlas O track or even Ross / Gargraves thread the lamp through the SX-4 and then solder to Atlas O joiners. For all tubular track you can also solder to track pins. Avoid soldering straight to the track so down the line you can replace the bulbs. The track joiners will fit through the 3/16 dia. hole. Simply thread the joiners through the drilled hole and seat the bulb / flange.
Once completed you are ready to go with an 18V lamp.
In addition to the Lionel bumpers I have custom built bumpers I designed in plastic and in wood. I simply drilled the 3/16 inch hole and followed the above procedure.
If you would like to build the plastic or wood bumpers go to -
http://www.modelstructuresinc....truct-community.html
Go down the page until you see Wood and Plastic Bumpers and click on the blue link.
Joe
