Decoder installation problems

[pdlethbridge]

I'm not at all familiar with the current draw but I do know that a  Rayovac alkaline aa 1.5 volt battery would light them all.

[pdlethbridge]

I've added another accessory to the layout, a Digitrax ds64 stationary decoder, to run my switch machines. I bought the recommended power supply ( ps12 ) for it. I wired it last night but didn't get to run it until this morning. Works great! I'm only using the first 2 outputs and I'm controlling 4 atlas code 83 switch machines with it, 2 crossovers. I'll get 2 more switches installed later, but if you want to control your switches, thats the way to go. That you can have routing, makes it a good investment. What I paid in switch machine controllers, which didn't work that reliably,  would have bought the ds64

[Jim Banner]

So the lights could be drawing several amps.  The down side of 1.5 volt lamps is that for the same light output, they must draw more amps.  Compared to a 12 volt lamp, a 1.5 volt lamp with the same output will draw 8 times as much current.

I am wondering how you calculated the dropping resistor for these lights without knowing the current.  

[pdlethbridge]

current to me is something that goes on toast. I don't know a thing about basic electricity. Which surprises me. If you saw the control panel I built for my brother and what I'm building now, you'd see why it surprises me. These are the bulbs I have.
Grain of Rice Clear 2.2mm (1.5V) Replacement Light Bulbs from Model Power

[taz-of-boyds]

Pdlethbridge,

What is the value in ohms of the optional resistor you included in your circuit.  The instructions indicate you need to know the current.

Charles

[pdlethbridge]

51 ohm 1/2 watt for 4 bulbs according to tonys trains.
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/install-lamps-decoders.htm