Lighting for passenger cars, old product

[PJPickard]

All,

In the 1960's and 70's my dad and I used a lamp for passenger car lighting. It was a small tube, about 3/16" in diam and maybe 1 1/4" long. It seems like all lighting has gone the way of LED today. Does anyone know what I am talking about and better yet where to find them? I have searched ebay and elsewhere but don't see anything like it.

Thanks for any help,

Paul

[peteski]

The incandescent bulbs you are describing were glass tubes with a long filament. I don't recall their name but I think it had the word "fluorescent" in it.  The bulbs were similar to what used to be used in the dome light in automobiles.  I don't know if those are still available anywhere (the model train ones that is).  The ones used in automotive dome lights have too high of a wattage.

I seem to recall seeing them on older Walthers catalogs.  I think Model Power used to make them.

But bulbs used to get hot and they used up lots of power.  As you suspect, LED lighting is now preferred.  I'm in N scale and there are several passenger lighting kits available - I'm sure the same is true in H0.

EDIT: Looks like some of those bulbs are still available at Walthers: http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?quick=tubular+bulb&x=15&y=11
They also sell mini flourescent setups: http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?quick=miniature+fluorescent&x=0&y=0

[PJPickard]

Hey thanks, that is what I was looking for...my application is not a model RR use this time...but that is what I was looking for, thanks much!

Paul

[peteski]

You're welcome Paul.

[parkrrrr]

Dollhouse enthusiasts seem to still be fixated on incandescent bulbs and 12V supplies. You might find the bulbs you seek in the dollhouse section of a local craft store. The ones I'm familiar with are by Cir-Kit Concepts: http://cir-kitconcepts.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_42&products_id=189