How to Set Up Cal Scale Headlight on My IHC Pacific Project

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I’m working on this loco and obtained a Cal Scale Pyle headlight (see link) and bracket to mount at the top of the smokebox door.

a) I think a SMD (0603 or 0402) could be added inside, with wires coming out the back if I drill a hole. I’m assuming that is the best LED option?

b) The opening for a headlight lens measures about 4.25mm, 0.0167". That would be 14.5" if multiplied by 87. Can you recommend what to buy, type & size? I see several brands on EBay, and wonder if I should use a curved front type or a simple flat piece like a glass. Or find a light pipe piece of the right diamater?

http://www.bowserorders.com/.sc/ms/sch/ee?search=190-331&go.x=14&go.y=14&go=go

Any suggestions are most welcome, as I may be stretching well past my expertise here.

2

Paul

I have successfully drilled out HO Cal-Scale headlights to 3mm to fit a standard 3mm led inside them. The picture below is a kitbashed SP AC-9 pilot with a Cal-Scale headlight and 3mm warm white LED.

I’ve also used 1½ volt 2½mm GOWs for a more realistic looking light that fits the steam era better. A one amp bridge (DF005) is a perfect bidirectional 1.4 volt shunt regulator for the 1½ volt bulbs for a DC operation.

Mel

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

3

I have used a SMT 603 LED and mounted it into the castings and then filled with clear epoxy. Might take a few trys but you can get a dome shaped lens.

one more thing, make sure that the LED wires are insulated so you don’t have a short befor you fill .