marker light lens size

[Locojunkie]

Hi everyone, I want to know what size jewels do I use for the marker lights on the front of an alco c430 in ho scale. The marker class lights are beside of the main headlight on the front of the locomotive. Thanks.

 

 

[gmpullman]

Hi,

You don't mention a manufacturer but I have a dozen or so of the Bowser/Stewart ones. They use a plastic injection molded clear insert.

It is slightly tapered where it passes through the cab front measuring .0330 to .0325 inches.

You could probably use 1mm fiber optic strand and heat one end to make a "lens". Do you intend to illuminate them or are you only looking for a simulation?

IMG_2431 by Edmund, on Flickr

 

Hope that helps you out.

Good Luck, Ed

[G Paine]

MV Products makes lots of lenses for all kinds of lights, unfortunately a lot tend to be out of stock at Walthers. They do a good job of simulating a light that is not turned on. This is what is presently in stock at Walthers

https://www.walthers.com/products/manufacturer-name/m-v-products/in-stock/y/mode/list/show/120?match=AND

 

[hon30critter]

gmpullman

You could probably use 1mm fiber optic strand and heat one end to make a "lens".

I would definitely explore using fibre optic 'cable' for making your own lenses, especially if you want to illuminate them.

I use a Weller soldering gun on high (140 watts IIRC) to do the flaring as opposed to a flame. You are much less likely to ruin the lens by scorching it. Note that you don't want to touch the cable with the soldering iron tip. Just hold it close enough that the cable begins to melt. 

I would recommend flaring both ends. The reason for flaring the cable on the inside is to make it easier to line up the LED if you are illuminating the lights. Do the visible (outside) lense first, then clip the cable so that there is about 3/32" of cable protruding into the inside of the shell, and then flare the inside so that it fits flush with the shell. You will have some rejects because it takes a little practice to get several lenses the same size.

Here is one source for fiber optic cable. This is a Canadian listing but you will be able to get the same thing through Digi-Key in the US.

https://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/industrial-fiberoptics/IF-C-U1000/FB199-ND/356540

Cheers!!

Dave