I don't quite understand what you're asking.Or, are these new LED's bright enough if you would hook them up using only the 12 volt supply and 1k current limiting resistor?
To test the LED's you could use the circuit you posted above on the left provided you add a resistor connected to the base, other end to 12 volts. 10k would work.
The LEDs will be powered by a 12v supply with a 1k ohm limiting resistor.