Why does the K-Line Extended Vision Caboose K613-2112 have DIM LIGHTING?

Not advisable to run the K-Line smoking caboose at full command voltages unless it's the later model with the TMCC/CONV switch.  Running the older ones on 18V will frequently melt the side and/or roof of the caboose.

John:

I have run numerous K-Line cabooses on my layout in command mode for many years and have never had an issue with any of them.

Pat

I am taking one apart tonight to prepare it for weathering. I plan to disconnect and remove the smoker unit just to be safe.

@irish rifle posted:

I have run numerous K-Line cabooses on my layout in command mode for many years and have never had an issue with any of them.

Count yourself lucky, a number of people, including me, have posted here about melting cabooses with smoke units.  I can assure you, the original K-Line caboose before the command switch was added will melt the sides or roof on 18V.  Just because it hasn't happened to you doesn't mean it hasn't happened.

John:

The issue the jpepe raised was about the lighting in the caboose, not about the smoke unit. That's the issue I was addressing, not the smoke unit. If you are speaking about the smoke units causing the problem, I can't comment about that, as I never run any of my smoking cabooses with the smoke on. And I was certainly not questioning your or anyone else's experience. That's not the way I roll.

Pat

I was talking about the smoke unit.  The OP mentioned that the caboose smoked a "lot" at 16V, there's a good reason why, it's really running on more than it's original design voltage of 11-12 volts!  I suspect the lighting can be corrected by changing the bulbs.