modifying a 2-8-0

[Anonymous]

I have a Spectrum 2-8-0 and although it's a swell model I would like to fix a couple of things. First, how can I add marker lights and make the headlight brighter? during the nightshift, the engine looks like a little bright dot hovering in the dark. Also, has anyone attempted to modify the cab interior? I would like to change the figures and paint it in the usual green.

[Anonymous]

I have a Spectrum 2-8-0 and although it's a swell model I would like to fix a couple of things. First, how can I add marker lights and make the headlight brighter? during the nightshift, the engine looks like a little bright dot hovering in the dark. Also, has anyone attempted to modify the cab interior? I would like to change the figures and paint it in the usual green.

[Sperandeo]

Classification lights (not marker lights) on an HO steam engine are a tough proposition. I have seen it done, but I've never done it myself. The best way might be to use bulbs or LEDs inside the smokebox with fiber optic light guides out to the class lights. Remember that there are only three options for locomotive class light displays:

• Scheduled trains display no signals (this is easy – you've already got it!).
• Scheduled trains with another section following display green signals – flags and class lights. The last section displays no signals.
• Extra trains display white signals – flags and class lights.

It would be really slick to make these three options controllable with DCC functions!

Putting bulbs in the smokebox would require removing some of the Bachmann weight.

To make the headlight brighter, you might try replacing the original bulb with one of the super-bright white LEDs, though I think a lot of modelers would actually prefer the softer glow of the original bulb.

The cab can be removed from the Bachmann superstructure, making it easy to paint the interior walls and ceiling green and to replace or repaint the crew figures. The boiler backhead would usually be black like the boiler, but you could pick out gauges with white and valve and lever handles with red or brass colors.

Good luck with your Consolidation,

Andy

[Sperandeo]

Classification lights (not marker lights) on an HO steam engine are a tough proposition. I have seen it done, but I've never done it myself. The best way might be to use bulbs or LEDs inside the smokebox with fiber optic light guides out to the class lights. Remember that there are only three options for locomotive class light displays:

• Scheduled trains display no signals (this is easy – you've already got it!).
• Scheduled trains with another section following display green signals – flags and class lights. The last section displays no signals.
• Extra trains display white signals – flags and class lights.

It would be really slick to make these three options controllable with DCC functions!

Putting bulbs in the smokebox would require removing some of the Bachmann weight.

To make the headlight brighter, you might try replacing the original bulb with one of the super-bright white LEDs, though I think a lot of modelers would actually prefer the softer glow of the original bulb.

The cab can be removed from the Bachmann superstructure, making it easy to paint the interior walls and ceiling green and to replace or repaint the crew figures. The boiler backhead would usually be black like the boiler, but you could pick out gauges with white and valve and lever handles with red or brass colors.

Good luck with your Consolidation,

Andy

[Anonymous]

thank you!

[Anonymous]

thank you!

[Anonymous]

one more thing, what would you recommend for adding on board sound without converting to DCC?

[Anonymous]

one more thing, what would you recommend for adding on board sound without converting to DCC?