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Lionel #395 Floodlight Tower..one lamp is dim

ToledoEdToledoEdOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I've an issue with this floodlight since I pulled it out of long term storage. This light goes back to the mid-50's. It was on my layout as a kid and although I can't say for sure, memory says this one dim bulb (The floodlight, not me....) goes back to then. I've tried everything I can think of. (See annotated pics) One arrow points to the dim bulb.  Today I noticed something for the first time. The other three floodlight shells are held in the u-clamp with a dimple, pushed out into the floodlight casing. The dimple on the dim bulb's floodlight casing (left) is reversed. Two possibilities I see is a short somewhere, although I've checked everything I can see and don't see one, or because of the reversed dimple (the bump I think touches the little pin on the sides of the bayonet lamp. It's not clear but the two lamps in the foreground are connected by a wire that attaches to a contact, spring loaded, that touches the end of the bulb. the pole running up the middle of the tower is positive, and the tower itself is ground. (Pic of top of tower)   I'm OK with using it as is, but it bugs me that I can't correct the problem. Any suggestions? Do you agree with my assessment or am i missing something?

Thanks,

ed

 

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DJ David JohnstonOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

On the 395 the lamps are in series of two lamps. There needs to be two 6 volt #51 lamps in each series pair.  The pairs are the two sockets connected with a single wire.  You probably have one 6 volt and one 14 volt lamps in series in the pair with the dim lamp.  The #51, also known as L51, Q90  or 51-300, is a 6 to 8 volt, .22 amp clear, bayonet base, small head lamp.

B bmoran4OGR Forum Member
David Johnston posted:

On the 395 the lamps are in series of two lamps. There needs to be two 6 volt #51 lamps in each series pair.  The pairs are the two sockets connected with a single wire.  You probably have one 6 volt and one 14 volt lamps in series in the pair with the dim lamp.  The #51, also known as L51, Q90  or 51-300, is a 6 to 8 volt, .22 amp clear, bayonet base, small head lamp.

Exactly what I was thinking!

B BReeceOGR Forum Member
ToledoEd posted:

It's a cool accessory. You'll like it. 

Toledo ED.

Having a spot of trouble, maybe you can help on the 395 floodlight.

There is a black wire from the top to the bottom, there are 2 connecters on the bottom, one is connected to the round post coming from the top to bottom, the other clips to the floor. Which connector does the black wire go to, I know that both wires go to the power source, my guessing is not working. It was OK until I decided to clean the rust off and repaint.

Thanks

Brent

ToledoEdToledoEdOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
BReece posted:
ToledoEd posted:

It's a cool accessory. You'll like it. 

Toledo ED.

Having a spot of trouble, maybe you can help on the 395 floodlight.

There is a black wire from the top to the bottom, there are 2 connecters on the bottom, one is connected to the round post coming from the top to bottom, the other clips to the floor. Which connector does the black wire go to, I know that both wires go to the power source, my guessing is not working. It was OK until I decided to clean the rust off and repaint.

Thanks

Brent

Brent,

Red-power to the middle post and black, ground to the tower base.   See attached photos  First shows insulated clip that is "power".  the other clip is ground. Ground is the entire tower but for the black insulated parts..in mine it's a solid black bar from the bottom clip to the top spotlights.

 

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B BReeceOGR Forum Member

What type of insulation is on the bottom red power? I read  another thread that the 2 metal brackets were insulated with fishpaper, can it be used on the bottom?. Never heard of fishpaper, learn something everyday.

What thickness do I need, McMaster Carr has it starting at .005-.010-.015-.020-.025-.030

Had a few delays but have re-started my  layout and would like for this item to work.

Brent

Last edited by BReece
B BReeceOGR Forum Member
David Johnston posted:

On the 395 the lamps are in series of two lamps. There needs to be two 6 volt #51 lamps in each series pair.  The pairs are the two sockets connected with a single wire.  You probably have one 6 volt and one 14 volt lamps in series in the pair with the dim lamp.  The #51, also known as L51, Q90  or 51-300, is a 6 to 8 volt, .22 amp clear, bayonet base, small head lamp.

Can these bulbs be found in a Auto Parts store?  I see them on Ebay .  I don't know where to look, thinking about buying 4-6

Brent

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