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Post by santafe49 on Jul 25, 2014 9:29:31 GMT -8
Any suggestions on how best to remove the Athearn 1.5 volt lamps from shell? What type glue do they use to hold in place?
I thought i had read a forum topic about this but doing searches on all of the forums i am subscribed to yields no threads.
I want to change them to Minatronics 12v 30ma.
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Jul 25, 2014 9:59:33 GMT -8
Why we bulbs? Go Monster on that shtuff! Install Monster LEDs! Or order and install Ulrich Models $67 kit per engine. Either way UPGRADE to LEDs dawg. This is your time. I have info on the bulb removal on my auctions too.
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Post by WP 257 on Jul 25, 2014 11:21:22 GMT -8
To answer the glue question: Sometimes Athearn's builder uses water soluble glue, similar to Woodland Scenics "HobbyTac", that can be removed with a little bit of warm water.
However, I have received other Athearn engines where a hard, clear glue was used such that removal of lightbulbs was not an easy thing at all.
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Post by canrailfan on Jul 25, 2014 12:47:34 GMT -8
I'd caution against replacing the Athearn bulbs with the Miniatronics 12v 30ma ones. I did this on an Athearn SW1500 and it deformed the headlight and the roof of the cab. The Miniatronics bulbs got too warm after being on for about 10 minutes.
I didn't like the look of the Athearn 1.5 mm bulbs sitting at an angle in the headlight. I used the Miniatronics 2.4mm bulbs which were a nice fit and filled the headlight hole completely. I guess the Athearn bulbs are the size they are to prevent the heat of the bulb transferring to the plastic.
I've switched to LEDs now, using Miniatronics Yeloglo LEDs with Details West 341 lenses.
David
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Post by bigb6flyer on Jul 25, 2014 13:49:49 GMT -8
Athearn uses a cheap tacky hobby glue that is water soluble. Just give it a solid tug and they come right out like a loose tooth. Then throw them right in the trash. I recommend Al's LEDs too. I strongly recommend going to LEDs as your bulbs will burn out again soon. LEDs have thousands of hours of life and have gotten extremely prototypical.
Brad
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Post by santafe49 on Jul 25, 2014 14:35:19 GMT -8
Thanks for all the replies. I thought it was something simple, just wanted to clarify before pulling on them.
Al, thanks for the advice. I am just using what i have on hand. I am not one to require the prototypical look.
Will see how it goes and if it doesn't work out, i will have to hit up your Ebay site.
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Post by Mark R. on Jul 25, 2014 16:11:48 GMT -8
.... Will see how it goes and if it doesn't work out, i will have to hit up your Ebay site. So you are going to see how badly those 12 volt bulbs melt your shell first ? That'll be a much bigger fix than going to LEDs in the first place ! The 1.5 volt bulbs are used because they don't run nearly as hot as the 12 volt variety .... Mark. |
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Post by santafe49 on Jul 25, 2014 16:29:35 GMT -8
Well, i do have some 1.5 v minatronics so i will go with them, first.
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Post by Mark R. on Jul 25, 2014 20:00:11 GMT -8
Are your Athearn bulbs burnt out ? The Athearn bulbs are 15ma and the circuit board is regulated for that. Be sure sure to replace the Athearn bulbs with similarly rated bulbs. A higher milliamp rated bulb will just result in dimmer light. A 30 or 40 ma bulb may not even light.
Mark.
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Post by nebrzephyr on Jul 26, 2014 4:17:54 GMT -8
Athearn uses a cheap tacky hobby glue that is water soluble. Brad My experience with replacing the Athearn bulbs in over 50 engines (not all mine!) is this is not always the case. Also, confirmed by Athearn a couple years ago. Bob |
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Post by bigb6flyer on Jul 27, 2014 4:04:05 GMT -8
Bob,
I've replaced about half that many, but my experience has been you give them a solid pull and the bulbs come right out. The life of an Athearn bulb is some where between 1 lap around the layout and several years if you're very lucky. The LEDs will probably outlive the modeler if properly installed.
Brad
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