by epsos

Model and hobby light bulbs come is several sizes, colors, and styles allowing for a number of lighting effects.  Many have wire terminals and are wired directly in to the system or accessory.  However, there are some such as FLUORETTES (cylindrical bulbs 0.66 mm diam by 3.70 mm long) that snap into fluorette sockets, and ROUND bulbs (0.64 diameter bulb on screw base) which are can be used in lamps and other applications where a replaceable bulb is desired.


Lights that are hardwired into the electrical system or accessory include the following: 

PEA - about the same size as the Round bulb

GRAIN OF WHEAT (GOW)  - approx. 0.32 mm diam by 7.0 mm length

GRAIN OF RICE (GOR) - approx. 0.24 mm diam by 5.0 mm length

SUPER GOR - approx. 2.23 mm diam by 3.5 mm length

GRAIN OF SAND (GOS) - approx. 1.2 mm diam by 4.0 mm length

FLAME TIPS - available in both GOW and GOR sizes

MICRO-FLAME - approx. 0.079 in diam by 9.0 mm length

SUPER MICRO - approx. 1.4 mm by 3.0 mm length

MICRO - approx. 1.3 mm diam by 2.0 mm length

SPOTLIGHT - approx 0.95 mm diam by 9.0 mm length

AXIAL  - Cylinder with wires at each end, approx. 0.75-1.0 mm diam by 3.5 mm length 

LED (Light Emitting Diode) - available in sizes ranging from 1.8, 3 and 5 mm in diam by various lengths.

LED FYI
LEDs draw much less energy than conventional bulbs.  They produce negligible heat, and are rated to last up to 100,000 hours.  The highest maximum life rating for any of the other bulbs listed is 5,000 hours. 

image by beatricet

Design Note
When preparing your lighting design, you might want to try several different types and colors of bulbs or LEDs to get the effect you are looking for.  For instance, when back lighting a photo viewed as an exterior scene through a window, you might find that one type of bulb or LED gives a sunny appearance while another provides an illusion of a different time of day or weather condition.

A Scale and Miniature Bulbs and LED Guide giving more detail on each type of bulb and LED will be posted soon.