The postwar 6557 smoke caboose Lamp "55-300 is placed in series with the heater to drop the normal track voltage to the required range". The smoke heater element wants about 6 volts. Since that lamp is no longer available has the heater element power circuit been updated with it's own circuit to run on 18v track power?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
$1 for that bulb at www.ttender.com.
Thank you, Rob. After double checking his site I found it on Page 1 of his parts list.
I would be cautious running a 6557 with command control locos. The 55-300 bulb is listed at 6-8 volts, the element at 6v. Combined 12-14V. Conventional trains usually ran off the rails in turns at 16v+. Normal operating range is 11-14v. I haven't run my 6557 on 18v yet. It may not see it.
I understand it was made this way so smoke would be more consistent from lower to higher voltage.
The 50-300 lamps I got from Jeff at The Train Tender appeared to be the same as my #50 lamps in my stash. I queried Jeff on how to tell the difference between the two. He replied "The 55 and 55-300 are the same light bulbs. NO DIFFERENCE."
Will someone please check your postwar Parts stash for a genuine 50-300 lamp and measure the resistance? The #55 lamp is 6 volt0.4A, 2 to 2.3 ohms. Smoke generator wants #50-300 6V w high amps (heavy current).
The maximum smoke output with #55 lamp at 12-14V track voltage.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
