Lionel #253 automatic block signal questions

Yes. The 14 volt bulbs would not be as bright if you leave the resistors in. But if you could find the 6 volt bulbs, you could leave the resistors in place and obtain the original look of the signal.

According to this diagram, unless you are willing to rewire your signal internally, there is no option to power the lights independently. 

Thank you for your reply!  The 6V bulbs are available, but pricey.  $5 each, from town & country. 

Tom

#12 bulbs can be had for about $1 a piece when bought in packs of 10/12 from your local auto parts store or from various online (non-specialty) places.

Just some examples:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/LMA12

https://www.amazon.com/12-Mini...b-Pack/dp/B00BQGKFFM

If you need some color:

Tamiya or some glass (think stained glass) paints will do the trick.

6v bulbs used to be much more popular. From cars to latern batteries there were more 6v systems. Unless you are trying to stay original, move to a higher voltage bulb and you'll spend less time hunting and likely have a wider variety to pick from as the 6v offerings dwindle in number.

  Jumping the resistors is an option vs removal too; the power will follow the easier path of the jumper, no harm done to the original resistors.

The general rule of thumb is that a 12v bulb burns half as bright, for twice as long, lit on 6v.

It burns twice as bright for half as long on 24v.

  Life hour changes can be similar too.

 Heat can be tricky. Ive had some I expected to be cooler run too hot, so I test them. (Sooner or later I also find a use for near every bulb, I dont sweat buying a couple I might not use right away)

Can these signals be used like the 153 ?   In other words, will the lights change, the same way the lights change on the 153 when they are wired to an O22 switch ?

No, the #253 signals have an internal bi-metallic timing circuit that sets the (variable) time interval before changing the red signal aspect to green.

The #153 signal, in the simple setup, uses the #153c contactor to change the signal aspects, using the weight of the locomotive and train to do so; or as you are doing, using the 022 switches to change the signal aspects.

Larry