Can you replace the bayonette bulbs in the switch itself with a LED bulb so the cap won't get so hot. If you can where can I purchase them?
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Check towncountryhobbies.com. I haven't used them, but I'd like some report on how their brightness compares to #1445/#1447. FYI, some 1940's era 022's used screwbase bulbs.
I got mine from Town & Country Hobbies, P.O. Box 584, Totowa, NJ 07512. There phone number is 973-924-5176. They work great.
Side Rod
Side Rod, can you give me an idea of the brightness of the T&C LED bulbs compared to the original incandescents? Did you get the blue tint or the warm white?
When replacing Incandescent bulbs with LEDS it's a good idea to replace with a LED that's the same color as the lens. Although not required the color rendition will be better.
Ron
Originally Posted by RailfanRon:
When replacing Incandescent bulbs with LEDS it's a good idea to replace with a LED that's the same color as the lens. Although not required the color rendition will be better.
Ron
In this case, the "lens" is either red or green, depending on which way the switch turns, so he has a difficult color choice. 
You got me there John. 
Ron
I want to thank everyone for their help. I ordered my bulbs from Hobbytown
Balto: is there a link to their web site, or did you go to a local store? How about a price?
RJR: Sorry I typed the incorrect name. I used as you suggested towncountryhobbies. The cost was $2.00 a bulb.
Balto, when you get them, I'd appreciate a post on how their brightness compares to the original incandescent bulbs,
RJR Will do
Originally Posted by RJR:
Balto, when you get them, I'd appreciate a post on how their brightness compares to the original incandescent bulbs,
RJR
Just received them and the brightness is no where near the incandescent bulbs. I ordered the warm white.
Thanks, Balto, for the info. I guess I'll put off converting until light output improves.
I recently bought a Stanley FatMax LED spotlight at Lowes to use on my boat. The single LED is brighter than the incandescent spotlights I have, which means LED technology has improved beyond what is currently available for model trains
Originally Posted by RJR:
which means LED technology has improved beyond what is currently available for model trains
All that means to me is you're buying the wrong LED's. You can obviously use any LED commercially available for your models, I can't see how this statement is accurate. If you want brighter LED's, buy brighter LED's.
Copied from another earlier blog response of mine. It is about getting best performance out of your switches and lanterns.
"Next, the voltage you apply makes a difference. I have found that 18V is most reliable. This assures a quick, solid snap. Use the fixed voltage plugs.
After that you will be looking at using the correct bulbs in the switch so the heat does not melt the lanterns. There are either screw in bulbs (#1448 rated at 24V, .04A and.96W - LumaPro PN 2FMW1) or twist bayonnet bulbs (265 rated at 28V, .08A and 2.24W - LumaPro PN 2FLY6).
These are small round bulbs which generate a bright light but almost no heat. Mine have now been in place for about three years with no problem.
Try 'Bulb Direct.'
