Large Scale Central

Lighting System in Bachmann Coach not Working

General Discussion
#1

I am currently working on modifying an old Jackson and Sharp B&O Royal Blue observation car into a custom car for my own railroad. Before taking apart the car, I tested the old lighting system and discovered only one of the lights works. I was wondering if anyone knew a way two replace the light bulb or find another to fix the issue.

Thanks!
Kevin M.

#2

Kevin,
I’d suggest rewiring and using LEDs if your lights are powered by a battery under the coach.
The B’mann light system with the translucent plastic to “spread” the light never looked very good to me.
If you really have your heart set on replacing the bulb, I’m sure I probably have one around here somewhere.
Ralph

#3

Or you could go with one of these, Found on Ebay for $15.00 Nick

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/nicholas_savatgy/_forumfiles/008.JPG)

#4

Ralph, I actually have a replacement bulb, I just have no clue as to how to replace it.

Nicholas, thanks for the suggestion. I may look into it, but I am horrible at electrical wiring.

Tanks,
Kevin M.

#5
Kevin M. said:
Ralph, I actually have a replacement bulb, I just have no clue as to how to replace it.

Nicholas, thanks for the suggestion. I may look into it, but I am horrible at electrical wiring.

Tanks,
Kevin M.


Kevin
I had to do the same on my coaches. The only way is to cut the wire from the old bulb and re solder the new bulb on. I thought about replacing with leds but I really dont run at night and the factory supplied bulbs worked fine for my needs. Unless you want to run at night go with leds. .

#6

Shwan, thanks for the suggestion! It would work perfectly, if I knew how to solder something :stuck_out_tongue:

Thanks for the help!
Kevin M.

#7

Soldering is not too hard. One wire goes to the solder blob at the base of the bulb, the other goes to the brass threaded piece. I’ve rewired all of my J&S coaches with LEDs, which isn’t very hard either. I use a circuit in the baggage car, wire the cars together with plug in cables. The power comes from the track using stock Bachmann passenger trucks and LGB cylindrical pick ups that fit right in the Bachmann trucks. The LEDs are mounted on 14 gauge wire running through the clearstory.

I’ve got a circuit diagram, etc. Reply directly if you’d like more info. I put a bunch of info about this om My Large Scale. Look for a thread about Bachmann Jackson and Sharp cars. If you’re not too far from Sacramento, CA, come to our March SVGRS meeting. I’ll be putting on a show about LED car lighting.

#8

Dick, I would love to attend your club’s meeting! Only issues is it is far away from South Jersey. Thanks for the suggestion! I will look into it.

Thanks,
Kevin MacKenzie