OT: How many forumites does it take to change a lightbulb?

Uncle Bill:

" I can't see why Yangdu put this bulb in the blem box--I can't find a damn thing wrong with it, but I've learned never to argue!"

:D

OR:

".25$ worth of epoxy, 5 min work---that's about 400.00/hr to fix this bulb"
 
Originally posted by Thomas Linton
In a book I just got, two Gukhas are installing lightbulbs (light bulbs, light bubs) with their left hands? Does this mean that Gurkhas are disproportionately left-handed (lefthanded)?
Click to expand...

Of course not! Disciplined warriors that they are, they are leaving their rights hands free to draw khukuries if needs be. :)
 
Gents, an interesting and confusing subject.

These pictures show a good example of the TRADITIONAL brass based bulb and the rare PALACE bulb with a high grade silver base (with the accompanying bulbettes). The crossed kukri logo on both would normally indicate high quality, but as the demand for these has risen so dramatically, fakes abound from unscrupulous dealers and on eBay. Also pictured is the extremely rare container clearly showing The Prince who represented the "Gherka Brand" with the selling line, "Lites the Palace"!.

While only a few have passed thru my hands I must say these would be a great addition to anyone's lightbulb collection. The examples shown are probably from the earliest days of electricity in Nepal...around 1801.
bulbs.jpg
 
Ok, I give. John wins this one, hands down. I was groaning and laughing at the same time.

Worth a chapter in your book, John.
 
Yaj, if you check the FAQ you'll find that Pendentive has compiled a very thorough chart comparing all of the various bulb types and wattages that have been available to forumites in recent years.
 
The big question as I see it is this:

How many lightbulbs could be powered by all the ,er, hot air generated on this forum?!;) :p :D :footinmou
 
I'm planning a backpacking trip through the Canadian Wilderness down through Mexico and into South America. I will be earning my way by carving balsa wood minatures of Mount Rushmore.

Which bulb should I carry?
 
Kis,
Definitely take the dim one?

oh wait I got that one in a 2 for 1 sale. Funny there was only one in the pack. Weird.
 
Originally posted by John Powell
Gents, an interesting and confusing subject.

These pictures show a good example of the TRADITIONAL brass based bulb and the rare PALACE bulb with a high grade silver base (with the accompanying bulbettes). The crossed kukri logo on both would normally indicate high quality, but as the demand for these has risen so dramatically, fakes abound from unscrupulous dealers and on eBay. Also pictured is the extremely rare container clearly showing The Prince who represented the "Gherka Brand" with the selling line, "Lites the Palace"!.

While only a few have passed thru my hands I must say these would be a great addition to anyone's lightbulb collection. The examples shown are probably from the earliest days of electricity in Nepal...around 1801.
bulbs.jpg
Click to expand...

Of course we must remember what Mr. Powell posted about his pics. "The lightbulbs I have shown so far are all from 4 sources: The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Wallace Collection, The Gurkha Museum and The National Army Museum. That is one of the reasons I ask that no one uses these pictures for any reason. I could only shoot these pictures after signing agreements not to use these except for my own use."

Thanks for the lightbulb pics, and I promise not to make a copy of em'

How come only the palace bulbs come with the karda and chakma?
 
John, Bruise and Thomas, thanks for keeping this thread on track when many others tried to drag it OT through 'humour'! Come on guys, lets be serious now, lightbulbs are fascinating things and well worth looking into (though not too much or you'll blind yourself, sorry, a little collectors humour).

Think about it, I mean they have developed since their invention and are essential to our lives. There is a lot out there for the devoted enthusiast, from the antique bulbs:

Ediswan_socket.jpg

Carbon filament lamp, English in origin with an early key type brass Ediswan type socket, bulb circa 1890.

To the much more modern types:

Light%20Bulb%202%20-%20small.jpg

20,000 hour lifetime energy saving bulb

Imagine, 20,000 hour lifetime!!! That doesn't explain why mine still blow every other week but thats beside the point. Now for those just getting into the hobby (contracting AIBDS - All Incandescent Bulb Desiring Syndrome as we like to say) it is worth sticking to certain brands like GE and so on, the high quality types, because often you will often see a bulb advertised as a high quality 'special' type however they tend to be tacky touristy ripoffs that will blow in a matter of minutes.

But yeah, John Powell is the accepted lightbulb history expert round here, though Pen has designed and made some fine bulbs, such as the famous pen light and the Lee Light, named for Bruiselee who provided inspiration with his bright ideas *PING*. Oh, and if you are after some decent replacement fixtures and sockets or even a really nice lampshade you couldn't go far wrong with T.Sisco (though there is a rumour he isn't making the canvas lampshades any more, is there any truth to this?). I particularly recommend his 'flash' switch, which will half the time it takes to activate your light.

bulb-boy.jpg


If any of you are interested go to:
http://www.bulbcollector.com/

A comment from a satisfied customer: "I honestly couldn't believe there is a site out there on light bulb collecting, my life now has meaning!!!"

Ok, so I haven't beaten Mr. Powell, but I couldn't resist a shot at it ;)
 
I certainly hope this gets switched to the FAQ so dim bulbs like me can find their way in the dark.

Do any of you have any tips on re-threading these? The best I can get is just this side of screwable!
 
Bruise, these bulbs are from my private collection so you can use the pix anyway you prefer (for a small fee). By the way, the 2 small accesories are called LoWattz (from the early Hindu meaning "small, dull, ineffectual as in a forum troll).


SZ, I am glad to see you found that baby picture of Bill riding the bulb. Great research. See, I told you guys all the good stuff is in England.
 
Thanks John, its a cool pic isnt it. Elegantly shows off a cz24 bulb with the later threaded fitting. There was one thing I was wondering and that was whether you guys are familliar with the bayonet fitting as opposed to the screw? Essentially two lugs on the base so that you push the bulb up and twist it into place. The only problem with this is that the locking lugs tend to get caught, but it has its benefits, for example they are easier to make than screws which may help Nasty.
 
Well watch out because as I said, the alternative is getting bayoneted which is an entirely different experience ;)
 
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