Coloring Locomotive light bulbs with sharpie pens?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have heard that there was an article in Modelrailroader 2003 issue about using a sharpie on light bulbs in order to establish a realistic appearence. I have not been able to locate or have someone pass on in a brief explanation what this was about. Can someone help me…Thanks much, Mike

2

I didn’t have much luck with “Sharpie” markers, then again there are several types and I may have use the wrong one. What works well for colouring is liquid stain glass colouring.

3

Hi Mike;

Some people are un-happy about the blueish appearance of some LED headlights. They should be slightly yellow. A yellow sharpie, or similar can tone down the blue to give closer the desired light color. Dilute paint is another option…

I would not suggest to do this on light bulbs due to the heat.

4

Mike,
Painting the lens would in the long run a “band-aid” solution.

If your lights are the “blue” type, consider purchasing the new “Gold-White” LEDs that just came available last year. They look very realistic. I don’t know off hand, but I know that the prices are pretty reasonable. If your dealers doesn’t stock them, you can e-mail Tony’s Train Xchange or Litchfield Station. Just go to Litchfield Station the web. I believe Bruce has a brief description and prices. Hope this helps.