Toy train operating and collecting

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Last post 04-07-2009 4:57 AM by marmelmm. 7 replies.
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04-04-2009 12:08 PM
Offline marmelmm
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-06-2006
Springdale, AR
Posts 87

Hobby Hint: 1122-123 Switch Lanterns Made E-Z (pics added)

As research has made me painfully aware,  1122-123 lanterns with the large red and green lenses are pretty much unobtanium these days.  However, it is possible to make fairly credible looking replicas with common items you find around the house (if your house is a fully stocked parts depot). 

Since I don't, alas, have such a Xanadu, I had to make do with an order from The Train Tender (http://www.ttender.com).

For each lantern assembly, you will require:

1 ea) 1122-177 lantern assy reproduction

2 ea) 711-52 red lens dish type MPC

2 ea) 711-53 green lens dish type MPC

Adhesive of your choice (I used a gel type ACC)

Assembly is straightforward.  I tried assembling them as-is and after removing the red and green coloring from the lantern assemblies (helpful hint:  Williams' Lectric Shave is great for removing permanent market and other clear inks/dyes from plastic surfaces).   If you leave the coloring on, the light color is richer but a bit dimmer. 

Total parts cost per lantern:  $2.50.  Worth the effort, I think, as the updated lanterns give a better visual indication, particularly at a distance.

Very trolley yours,

-MMM-



 

04-04-2009 2:51 PM In reply to
Offline ADCX Rob
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on 12-27-2005
Hopewell, NY
Posts 1,194

Re: Hobby Hint: 1122-123 Switch Lanterns Made E-Z

 How about a pic or two?

Thanks,

Rob

04-04-2009 6:01 PM In reply to
Offline marmelmm
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-06-2006
Springdale, AR
Posts 87

Re: Hobby Hint: 1122-123 Switch Lanterns Made E-Z

ADCX Rob:

 How about a pic or two?

 

A reasonable request, so I hied off to the layout for this happy snap:

And with flash so's you can see the details:

Here's the upgraded switch lanterns on display atop a Lionel 1122 switch on my layout. L-R: Unmodded, original lens, MPC lens, one actually in the switch. PCCs L-R: SEPTA, NJPS, PRCo, with a SFMUNI car peeking out from behind the barn (Car! Barn! Carbarn! I got a million of 'em, folks!)

Enjoy!

Mitch 

04-04-2009 9:23 PM In reply to
Offline ADCX Rob
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on 12-27-2005
Hopewell, NY
Posts 1,194

Re: Hobby Hint: 1122-123 Switch Lanterns Made E-Z

Very nice.  I'll have to look over my switches & see which look I prefer.

Rob 

04-05-2009 8:35 AM In reply to
Offline Ole Timer
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on 11-13-2006
USA
Posts 987

Re: Hobby Hint: 1122-123 Switch Lanterns Made E-Z

I don't have any switches I want to change ... but that williams electric shave hint was great ! My grand daughter gets into my permanant markers sometimes and has a field day ....  

04-05-2009 10:36 AM In reply to
Offline marmelmm
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-06-2006
Springdale, AR
Posts 87

Re: Hobby Hint: 1122-123 Switch Lanterns Made E-Z

Ole Timer:

I don't have any switches I want to change ... but that williams electric shave hint was great ! My grand daughter gets into my permanant markers sometimes and has a field day ....  

 

Heh.  Believe it or not, that's a repair technique where I work.  See, I repair hand-held barcode scanners for a living, and when they come back in covered with marker, the Lectric Shave (we actually use the generic) generally dissolves the marker without hurting the plastic!  :)

Mitch

 

04-06-2009 10:29 AM In reply to
Offline Ole Timer
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on 11-13-2006
USA
Posts 987

Re: Hobby Hint: 1122-123 Switch Lanterns Made E-Z

If it does that ... which it does ... and I've tried everything that did'nt work    what does it do to your face .... ?  yikes ! Going to walmart and get a bottle ....

04-07-2009 4:57 AM In reply to
Offline marmelmm
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-06-2006
Springdale, AR
Posts 87

Re: Hobby Hint: 1122-123 Switch Lanterns Made E-Z

Ole Timer:

If it does that ... which it does ... and I've tried everything that did'nt work    what does it do to your face .... ?  yikes !

 

Well, lemme put it this way:  At work, we're required to wear rubber gloves and eye protection when using the stuff.    I wouldn't put it on MY face...  ;)

Mitch 

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