Hi Everybody-- On my current, temporary layout (depicted in photo), I wanted a quick, cheap method of protecting the two separate outputs of my Lionel "Z" (250-watt) transformer. So here is what I did (very old technology):
The two primary outputs for running trains are hooked-up in series with each of the "bulbs" shown immediately above the 'Z' . These are old auto headlamp bulbs, # 1000. They act as automatic circuit breakers! Several companies used to make them in the 20's, 30's and 40's. The specs are:
6-8V, 32 & 32 C. P., Automotive Headlamp, BA15d double contact bayonet base, RP11 Glass, C-2V Dual Filament, 32&32C, 6.2V, 4.19A Maximum, 2C-2V...
The two filaments are hooked in-series, and then, the combination is hooked in-series with your power leads. For modern equipment, the bulbs don't usually light. For much older equipment, that have older motors drawing more current, the bulbs may light dimly or pretty darn bright. If an absolute short, the bulbs may burn out and have to be replaced!
I learned this trick on the giant O-scale trolley layout (130x75 ft) at the Eastbay Model Engineers Society layout in Emeryville, CA. many years ago where I was very active.
These bulbs are hard to find. They date to the days before cars had sealed-beam headlamps. They used to be made by Eveready, Mazda, Westinghouse, Sylvania and others !
Photo 1. Ken's temporary 5 x 9 layout.
Photo 2. Lionel type 'Z' xfmr, Lionel CW-80 xfmr, toggle control box, lamp-type circuit breakers.
Photo 3. Lionel Type 'Z' 250-watt xfmr.
Photo 4. Lamp bulb auto-circuit breakers using antique # 1000 headlamp bulbs.
The electrical hookup on my NEW layout, starting soon, will be first-class. Photos will be submitted showing progress ! Have a great day!
KRK
