Number board lighting for Athearn F's

[Anonymous]

I have a number of Athearn F7A's (6) that I have installed DCC, head and backup lights and classification lights using bright white and colored leds and fiber optics.

These all have the molded on number boards and I was wondering if anyone has tried successfully to light these. I know that there would be some cutting and carving involved, but I am at a loss how to create lenses, etc. Any ideas or help would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

It might be an idea to carve off the existing ones and replace them with detail parts. I have a set of Detail Associates #2601 number board stencils, made of photo etched brass. The instructions say they can be used with their #2602, 2603 or those by other manufacturers. Use these numbers and search the Walthers catalog to see if something suitable can be found.

Bob Boudreau

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tip, but on a couple of the locos, especially, I do not want to do any repainting, so I am looking for ways to keep the existing boards.

[Don Gibson]

I'm not sure it's worth the effort.

Most 'F' unit numberboards are solid and glue'd onto the shell. You would have to cut out the numbers area and substitute a translucent insert that you can decal in reverse (white on black) - then illuminate it wihout seeing through the plastic.