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I have kit-bashed many Railking and Lionel structures and am finding that power draw is increasing > 12 amps at 12 volts. There must be > 150 small bulbs thus far. With my room on a 20 amp Circuit breaker and factoring in the trains I am getting close to the limit. Are their LED bulbs that fit into existing sockets, or do you have to re-wire the entire building? That latter would be a huge time-consuming task. I guess I could put in a 30 amp CB as well.

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A 20 amp circuit at 120 volts will supply several circuits using 12 amps at 12 volts. You are probably ok there.

 

TrainAidsA also has replacement LED bulbs a little cheaper that most places and they are rated for 18 volts, and I think they work on AC or DC. Got some there last week, I'musing them with 18 volt AC track power. The LED bulbes are still going to be about $2 each. Someone posted a link to Town & Country Hobby offering 100 LED bulbs for $60, that's a really good deal. You can also find the replacement bulbs on ebay, possibly at even lower prices, but I have never tried any of those. However, they are probably the same thing as being sold every where else.

 

It would be more economical if you could convert to the LED strip lighting, but also really a lot more work. For $5-6 or less for 5 meter strips (around 16 feet & 300 LED's) on ebay from China with free shipping. However it takes a couple weeks or possibly more to get them.

 

Last edited by rtr12

Use of LED bulbs is a "what you like " thing. Early last month a gentleman purchased my larger prewar layout with my vintage accessories. This past week he returned all 102 LED bulbs I had installed over the years. He wanted that warm glow offered only by regular bulbs (just wait till he feels the heat) .

It's a matter of choice and how much you're willing to pay the utility company .

 

"Pappy"

Good safety points and tips, here. I am not eager to replace new bulbs with LEDs, from work involved and cost. I'll have to consult with an electrician, otherwise it'll be akin to a Griswold Family Christmas with extension cords all over the place.

 

My layout is not that large - only 15' x 9' oval shape. And, I only have half of it done with buildings! I never anticipated that making 10-11 story Railking structures would eat up the amps; 2 bulbs per floor x 10 story building = 20 bulbs for one building alone. I am guessing they're 3-4 watts per bulb.

Originally Posted by Paul Kallus:

Good safety points and tips, here. I am not eager to replace new bulbs with LEDs, from work involved and cost. I'll have to consult with an electrician, otherwise it'll be akin to a Griswold Family Christmas with extension cords all over the place.

Don't forget to turn on the switch in the garage, could be quite frustrating 

 

I like the strip LED's in the proper colors for buildings and things like that. But I can't say that I like the bulbs in everything I have tried them in. Some things are ok, some not so good.

Last edited by rtr12

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