Amoskeag Northern - Conrail Portland (PRO&C) Line Engineering Thread

[C855B]

T12 bulbs you can still get, and will be able to get for a long while since they can't (reasonably) force everybody to change their fixtures by outlawing the bulbs. It's getting new T12 fixtures that's the issue.

This is the same ill-considered legislation that mandated the phasing out of conventional incandescent medium-base bulbs.

[mcjaco]

^ Ah.  Misread that. 

[peteski]

Just bought four T12s yesterday at Menards, for my garage shop lights.

The T-12 tubes themselves are still available, but T-12 fixtures are being phased out in favor of "greener" T-8s.  I had to replace a 4-lamp T-12 troffer fixture recently, and because I couldn't find a suitable T-12 replacement, I had to go with a T-8 troffer.  It is ok, but not quite as bright as the old one.  One big annoyance is that unlike the old one, this one takes about 5 minutes to "warm up" to its full brightness. It starts out rather dim.  The old T-12 fixture was pretty much at full brightness from the power up!  This fixture is in my basement hallway, so it gets turned off and on rather frequently.  I'm not too happy with it.

[conrail98]

The T-12 tubes themselves are still available, but T-12 fixtures are being phased out in favor of "greener" T-8s.  I had to replace a 4-lamp T-12 troffer fixture recently, and because I couldn't find a suitable T-12 replacement, I had to go with a T-8 troffer.  It is ok, but not quite as bright as the old one.  One big annoyance is that unlike the old one, this one takes about 5 minutes to "warm up" to its full brightness. It starts out rather dim.  The old T-12 fixture was pretty much at full brightness from the power up!  This fixture is in my basement hallway, so it gets turned off and on rather frequently.  I'm not too happy with it.

Depends on the type of bulb. I have Philips T8 Daylight that are almost instant on and much brighter then the other (GE?) T8s I bought for new shop lights recently are. So much so that I am thinking of replacing my T12s and the other T8 set I got with the same type for the others,

Phil

[mcjaco]

I see what I did...

I bought two shop lights a few weeks back from a Menards that was closing.  They're both T12 fixtures as well.  Closeout fixtures at a close out store = $$$$ savings for Matt.  I think the 4 bulbs cost me twice as much as the two fixtures.

[GaryHinshaw]

Depends on the type of bulb. I have Philips T8 Daylight that are almost instant on and much brighter then the other (GE?) T8s I bought for new shop lights recently are. So much so that I am thinking of replacing my T12s and the other T8 set I got with the same type for the others,

Phil

+1.  My garage/layout lights are the same and I love them.  The startup performance may depend on the type of ballast.

[peteski]

Depends on the type of bulb. I have Philips T8 Daylight that are almost instant on and much brighter then the other (GE?) T8s I bought for new shop lights recently are. So much so that I am thinking of replacing my T12s and the other T8 set I got with the same type for the others,

Phil

Mine are Philips Alto bulbs (with green ends).  They use electronic ballast (with input voltage range 120-277V).  Of course their color temperature is different (warmer) than the other shop light T-12s elsewhere in the basement.

[Ian MacMillan]

I have been using the GE Chroma50 bulbs in T12 and T8 for years and I liked the color of them. I had started using them many years ago after reading about them in a GMR article. The T8's were instant on with my electronic ballast units. For the new layout I am looking at using "40w" LED medium base bulbs in cleat sockets.

[Ian MacMillan]

T12 comment again. At the store I checked and we carry 10 different types of T12 fixtures still. Not that it matters.


Anyways... Bought some more sheetrock this weekend and started to finish off the ceiling. Other than finishing up the ceiling and the underside of the boxes around pipes, all that will need to be done is tape, mud, and sand. On the walls that are finished I started putting up the 1x3 strips that the backdrop will attach to. You can see the lower strip, which is 3.5" below track level.



I also picked up the 4" cans for the aisle lighting and started installing them as well.

I'm trying to get the room finished off and ready for benchwork in about two weeks so that I can head into the family room and finish off that before the first of December.

[peteski]

Looking really god Ian!  It is great to see a finished room taking shape around the future layout.  It adds so much to the ambiance and to the experience of operating the layout.

As far as the T12 tubes go, yes you can still buy T12 fixtures, but most are either shop lights, or other hanging units.  I was looking for a 4-tube troffer fixture (one used in suspended ceilings)  and all I kept finding were the T8 fixtures.

[davefoxx]

Getting closer and closer to choo choo time.  Giggity!

[VirginaCSX]

"Bought some more sheetrock this weekend and started to finish off the ceiling. Other than finishing up the ceiling and the underside of the boxes around pipes, all that will need to be done is tape, mud, and sand."

If only it was that easy!  Great progress!

[mcjaco]

I like how Ian has to finish the train room before he gets to the Family Room.

Nice work.

[Ian MacMillan]

Because if I don't get it done now I wont be able to get to it! I have been ordered to have the family room finished off before the new baby arrives. I'm almost done with it, just need to rock the ceiling in there and install the lighting cans as well.

[central.vermont]

I have been ordered to have the family room finished off before the new baby arrives.

Another baby!!

Jon