How to make this light.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I would like to make a light like this one in the photo. Any ideas on how to make the globe? The rest I can handle. Thanks.

2

Craft jewelry beads?

Walthers used to make an ornamental lamp that was somewhat similar to yours. Shown here over the sidewalks on the bridge. The downside is these are grain-of-rice lamps.

https://www.ebay.com/c/1742198280

I’ve had a few burn out and they are (nearly) impossible to replace or upgrade to LED.

IMG_6668 by Edmund, on Flickr

The one in your photo is a carbon-arc lamp.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beads-ACRYLIC-Plastic-ROUND-PEARLS-Various-Sizes-Colors/391292487094?var=660879905284&hash=item5b1ad985b6:g:1mUAAOSwVyVZ5PWw

Good Luck, Ed

3

Brent,

I would use a clear plastic bead the approximate diameter of the prototype. Then drill it out with an endmill to create the cavity. A drill bit will more than likely wander on the smooth surface of the bead but an endmill is flat and will create the cylindrical cavity.

The challenge will be securing the small bead while it’s being milled or drilled. If milled, do it at a slow speed.

Tom

4

Turn it out of a clear plastic rod on a lathe or electric drill with a file.

Mark Vinski

5

I used beads to make these streetlights:

These are 6mm which is a bit large for HO but 4mm beads are available. When I made them I hadn’t discovered 0204 LEDs so the bead was drilled out to fit a 3mm round tip LED.

Dave

6

First thing I thought of is a fake pearl. Should already have ahole in it for stringing. Probably obtainable at Michaels or Hobby Lobby

7

Here is an eBay listing for 4mm round clear facetted beads. This is a Canadian listing so your shipping will be much cheaper:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/4mm-Faceted-Round-Beads-Crystal-color-1250pc-made-n-USA-School-Church-VBS-Crafts/382491091005?hash=item590e3ee03d:g:FtMAAOSw8kBbItBk

Lifetime supply! [swg]

Dave

8

micro mark has a spherical clamp specifically for bead work and drilling holes in beads. It is designed so it can be held be heavier vice clamps.

shane

9

I just put a couple of layers of masking tape on the jaws of my small vice-grip pliers. Worked great.

Dave

10

My daughter got one of those bead cabinates when she was a child and I found a treasure trove of beads, so along with my trusty Dremel drill press and Ngineering lighting bits I am on my way.[tup]

Thanks for the help.