How to Set Up Cal Scale Headlight on My IHC Pacific Project

[peahrens]

I'm working on this loco and obtained a Cal Scale Pyle headlight (see link) and bracket to mount at the top of the smokebox door.  

a) I think a SMD (0603 or 0402) could be added inside, with wires coming out the back if I drill a hole.  I'm assuming that is the best LED option?

b) The opening for a headlight lens measures about 4.25mm, 0.0167".  That would be 14.5" if multiplied by 87.  Can you recommend what to buy, type & size?  I see several brands on EBay, and wonder if I should use a curved front type or a simple flat piece like a glass.  Or find a light pipe piece of the right diamater?

http://www.bowserorders.com/.sc/ms/sch/ee?search=190-331&go.x=14&go.y=14&go=go

Any suggestions are most welcome, as I may be stretching well past my expertise here.   

[RR_Mel]

Paul

 

I have successfully drilled out HO Cal-Scale headlights to 3mm to fit a standard 3mm led inside them.  The picture below is a kitbashed  SP AC-9 pilot with a Cal-Scale headlight and 3mm warm white LED.

 

 

 

I’ve also used 1½ volt 2½mm GOWs for a more realistic looking light that fits the steam era better.  A one amp bridge (DF005) is a perfect bidirectional 1.4 volt shunt regulator for the 1½ volt bulbs for a DC operation. 

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[woodone]

I have used a SMT 603 LED and mounted it into the castings and then filled with clear epoxy. Might take a few trys but you can get a dome shaped lens. 

one more thing, make sure that the LED wires are insulated so you don't have a short befor you fill .