Hey, friends, what are you using for lenses in headlights, markers, and classification lights? I really liked the Missouri Valley offerings, but the last pair of 3/8" diameter lenses I bought to fit my PSC headlights (O scale; this size fits all the headlight castings I bought), they turned a sort of pink tint by the time I was ready to use them. This was back in 2007-08 and couldn’t find them anywhere, even online–at the time. I asked at my LHS (Carr’s, in Duluth) if the car modelers–automobiles, that is–had anything to use, but got a blank look.
I’m currently* in the throes of building a quartet of 34’ TOC (1900) boxcars, but when they’re finished–completely, including “Indian Red” paint on the B&O car–I intend to go back to work on steam locos. Those MVP lenses were cool: bright parabolic reflectors that looked good–much better than the clear glass jewels we used to use–and they came in dozens and dozens of sizes. You could illuminate them by drilling (or sawing, in case you wanted to simulate an oil headlight) and putting a mini bulb or LED behind it.
I could probably make them myself, of clear epoxy, but where would I ever find a source for reflectors? Please let me know what you’re using–and if there’s something big enough for O scale–and I mean scale!
Deano
Currently–for the last several years–started them in '96 but got sidetracked working on rebuilding a Thomas Consolidation, made by Thomas Industries from 1948 to about '62-3.
Same here. I think that they make larger ones, too, although I don’t often see them advertised.
I got a bunch of lenses, and at decent prices, from these folks:
I read somewhere recently of making your own using an aluminum foil pressed into or onto a smooth convex/concave surface and filling it with 5-minute epoxy. I think the foil would have to be heavier than the kitchen foil. I haven’t tried it yet but thought it might work.
Yeah, MV was out of stock for a time back then, as I waited on some I needed for an interval before the eventually showed up.
The discoloration issue has been mentioned in the past, although I’ve seen remarks that it’s fixed now. There certainly seems to be fewer comments about that.
Lately, orders have been filled by Walthers in timely fashion. You might try your LHS again. You can also check what’s in stock at Walthers here:
Thanks, Mike. I just dug out the lens I didn’t use in my scratchbuilt O scale snowplow and found the stock number, 516-406, and sure enough, using your link I not only found 'em listed (11/32"D), but I think they were in stock (Senior Moment, but I also sometimes have Senior WEEKS!) I just remembered: my LHS owner doesn’t like Walthers, for some reason, so he doesn’t order often.
When I ran an HO hobby shop, Northrail Company, as an adjunct to my used paperback bookstore, I ordered from Walthers by phone–and still occasionally do, when I can get together the minimum order. The nice part of it was, ordering by phone during the week, you can find out if your item(s) are in stock. I always had alternates for the road names I wanted, so I could usually get a pretty full order–and if I ordered on Tuesday, the UPS man would usually be at my door on Thursday, Friday at the latest. I’ll definitely get in touch with them soonest. Thanx again.
Good to hear MV has addressed the yellowing problem. Models I did 20 years ago have now very yellowed MV lenses. The more recent stuff, closer to 7 years old, still look ok, but some are starting to discolor too. Because of the discoloring, I now routinely tack glue my MV lenses with Microscale Kristal Klear or in some cases with “museum wax” (sub for mortician’s wax), so I can replace them without damaging paint when they do turn color. [:'(]
Anyway, good to know MV is listening. Now to figure out which batches are made with the better polymer…[:-^]
I suspect more recent batches, but not sure how long ago.
I also suspect that the issue isn’t totally solved or at least not enough time has passed to confirm that aging effects are totally subdued. We all get old…
I did think of a way to add a silver backing. Just use spray paint. There’s a variety of Rustoleum Aluminum you could mistake for the real stuff. Other silvers and chromes may also work. It would have to be something non-reactive to the lens material. Experimentation is in order to discover more.
The most difficult part about a homemade lens is getting the diameter right. Whatever resin is used, I assume it is very stable dimensionally in order to maintain the precise fit MV offers.