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I was shopping in a local variety store today and bought a string of 20 white mini lights that are intended for Xms. Thought they might be used for layout lighting. The plug in to 120 volt outlets and wired in series but I thought you might be able to hook one or several to a transformer. Only cost $2.00. Has anyone used or fooled around with these - before I start experimenting ??

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Originally Posted by jim pastorius:

I was shopping in a local variety store today and bought a string of 20 white mini lights that are intended for Xms. Thought they might be used for layout lighting. The plug in to 120 volt outlets and wired in series but I thought you might be able to hook one or several to a transformer. Only cost $2.00. Has anyone used or fooled around with these - before I start experimenting ??

I have not done it, but I have seen others do it with great success.  I intend to try it soon since we have scads of strings of white lights left over from out younger daughter's wedding reception.

 

Your variety store wasn't Trader Horn was it?  

Last edited by Mark Boyce

He didn't say "all." He said "one or several."

 

Jim, if they are incandescent, AND there are 20, AND they are in series, then each one should run on 6 volts.

 

HOWEVER, the best way to do this is to use a voltmeter and see what the voltage drop is across a typical lamp.  They might be in a series/parallel configuration, or some other weirdness.  Use science, first, before letting out the smoke.

I couldn't wait so I experimented this aternoon with my Lionel 1033 "test" transfomer. They are in series, this 20 light string, but they have longer ones too-50 & 10 lights so I don't know how they are wired. I cut one, two three and four bulb lengths out and the two would be good for car lighting and three and four would work for buildings or street lights etc.  I ran a 726 Berkshire about medium speed at about 10-12 volts and the lights were a nice brightness. The instructions do say they are in series and if one burns out they stay lit but brighter. Tomorrow I am going to look at the longer strings and might use them to light my layout a bit. Want to light a passenger car, too. My volt meter is old and not sure how accurate it is.

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