I decided to install a working headlight on “Lil’ Stinky”, my trolleycar steam locomotive:
Putting a working bulb (Suydam brass interurban headlight, same as I used on the Red Rocket II) on one of these things is actually pretty painless. Just drill a 1/16" hole in the back of the lamp, and use a stiff pin to push the lens out (it’s a push fit). I took a cue from prototype outfits who converted oil lamps to electric and, rather than running the wires inside the shell, used stanchions to mount 'em on the outside:
Here’s Lil’ Stinky in action (with a temporary bumper. The light’s wired to the motor terminals for the moment, so, since Stinky has a manual reverser, the light only goes on when the motor’s running):
In other news, does anybody have a spare Lionel 8240-15 bell or reasonable facsimile? Stinky’s broke off, Jeff at Train Tender doesn’t have any in stock, and everyone else wants $7.50 to ship a $1.00 part…
Thanks!
-MMM-
