6v Railroad Lantern Battery Emergency Lighting

Easily assembled simple emergency light. Safer than a candle (and brighter) for power outages, campsite, or automobile. Shown to me by old head RR conductor/gadgeteer.

Step 1: 6 Volt Lantern Battery....

The springs on this one are a little twanged already due to rehearsal of this instructable....

Step 2: Bulb Is a GE 502...numerous Bulbs Will Work.

These can be bought in packs of 6...

Step 3: Pull the Spring Apart to Facilitate Inserting the Lightbulb

This is the only work involved with this project. Pull the spring far enough to pop the bulb in. Can be done with fingers but needle nose pliers might be helpful. It's crucial that once inserted, the spring contacts the base of the bulb.

Step 4: Should Look Like This...

The bulb sits in the coil...

Step 5: The Bulb Itself Is the Switch...

The bulb swivels in the spring so the center touches the other battery contact. At this point you will have to pull either or both springs around to make the proper contacts so the bulb will light. Once the springs are configured, simply swivel the bulb to turn the light on or off. One moving part....Cool huh?

Step 6: Video Clip

simplicity is the essence of good design..