I have a number of Athearn F7A’s (6) that I have installed DCC, head and backup lights and classification lights using bright white and colored leds and fiber optics.
These all have the molded on number boards and I was wondering if anyone has tried successfully to light these. I know that there would be some cutting and carving involved, but I am at a loss how to create lenses, etc. Any ideas or help would be appreciated.
It might be an idea to carve off the existing ones and replace them with detail parts. I have a set of Detail Associates #2601 number board stencils, made of photo etched brass. The instructions say they can be used with their #2602, 2603 or those by other manufacturers. Use these numbers and search the Walthers catalog to see if something suitable can be found.
Bob Boudreau
Thanks for the tip, but on a couple of the locos, especially, I do not want to do any repainting, so I am looking for ways to keep the existing boards.
I’m not sure it’s worth the effort.
Most ‘F’ unit numberboards are solid and glue’d onto the shell. You would have to cut out the numbers area and substitute a translucent insert that you can decal in reverse (white on black) - then illuminate it wihout seeing through the plastic.