Need some info for correct bulbs for SG Lionel 223 switches, and the correct voltage bulb for the Lionel Z Transformer. Are some 14 and some 18? The darn bulbs I have in the switches heat the holy daylights out of the little lantern. Also, the Z probably should have a dimmer bulb so it won;t melt the red and green plastic light covers. Thanks in advance.
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The 223 switches should have a 28-3 Lionel lamp, industry no. 432, 18 volt, .25 amp. The Z transformer should have a Q-90 Lionel lamp, industry lamp no. 51, 6-8 volts, .22 amps.
For the switches I would take a look at screw base LED bulbs...no heat. Any long running bulbs are candidates, like 155 platforms,61 and 63 lights etc. avoiding heat is a good thing, and reducing x-former load too.
Rob English posted:For the switches I would take a look at screw base LED bulbs...no heat. Any long running bulbs are candidates, like 155 platforms,61 and 63 lights etc. avoiding heat is a good thing, and reducing x-former load too.
I bought some LED's that are designed for the Z Transformer. (Bayonet type) Finding the correct voltage bulb for the switches is a little trickier. My Z can kick out 26 V. Are the 18 V led bulbs okay to put in switch lanterns? Should I use 24v? (Switches are connected to track power.)
I would get the 24v... they usually have a range and the 24v would be the max voltage... That what I did in my switches and have not had trouble.
Rob English posted:I would get the 24v... they usually have a range and the 24v would be the max voltage... That what I did in my switches and have not had trouble.
Thanks much Rob.
On topic. use a 24 volt bulb.
Off topic. I would find a way to power the switches with accessory power. I run some traditional engines with as little as 9 volts. Most at 12 volts are flying. How well will these switches work at these voltages?
F&G RY posted:On topic. use a 24 volt bulb.
Off topic. I would find a way to power the switches with accessory power. I run some traditional engines with as little as 9 volts. Most at 12 volts are flying. How well will these switches work at these voltages
The smaller SG engines will run starting at about 9 volts, like my #8. However, my larger engines won't start moving until at least 12 and over. My 390 takes about 17 to be moving at a good clip. The 223 switches I run are working well (I give them a good going over) but they need a decent amount of power to 'snap'. Haven't measured all of them as far as volts needed though. Wiring them for a constant voltage is an appealing idea, at the very least wiring the lamp for a constant voltage. One of the million things I need to check into as I build my layout. :-0
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