I have noticed that some of the Niagaras, and it seems from images as though it is often the first 15 or so delivered, have a single pod headlamp but with two lenses. I have seen images with the same and later engines with a single lens. Would anyone reading be able to shed some light on this for me, and can a fellow get a Details West or Associates replacement that might fit in the single-lensed BLI model housing recess?
Thanks for your answers.
Without a pic, I can’t be certain, but I’d guess that the NYC ordered those with a twin sealed beam headlight in the old headlight casing. This was also done on the Great Northern on several classes of steam during the 50s. Classes which come to mind were P-2 4-8-2s, S-1 and S-2 4-8-4s. Pattern-mostly passenger types. Details Associates (I believe) has a twin sealed beam plug for updating Also RS-series locomotives that originally had a large single headlight. Perhaps that part would work for you.
Rick, thank-you for your response. I think it must be that either the manufacturer or NYC began to change them at some point early in the delivery schedule, or maybe NYC insisted that they be changed and after a certain number they came that way with earlier ones getting the mods later.
I have tried finding a replacement lens kit through Details West and Detail Associates, but have had no luck.
-Crandell
Crandell, the insert piece I mentioned from Details Associated is designed for an Alco RS2 or RS3. I believe that you would have to reduce it’s overall diameter to make it fit into your Niagara. Filing or sanding would be the way I might proceed. Or, possibly, you could obtain a diesel-type dual sealed beam headlight (Pyle or other) and size it to fit, possibly on a styrene backer plate to fill in your original headlight casing. I might find myself doing something similar on one of my pair of Tenshodo GN P-2 4-8-2s depending on how late in the steam era I want it to appear as. I do believe that this became a not uncommon late-steam alteration on several roads. The conversion part for those RS units is Detail Associates part #229-1012. The other options might be 229-1009, Dual Pyle light or 229-1004. Hope this helps.
Yes, thank-you again. Where did you find those numbers…do you have a catalog or is this in Walthers catalog?
-Crandell
I found these in the Walthers catalog. However, I do know they actually exist [;)]. My LHS carries them in stock. Good luck.
Crandell,
I got the following answer from Rich Stoving over at the Yahoo! NYC-Railroad forum:
“The S-1’s were built with conventional Pyle headlights. Twin sealed-beam headlights were substituted, I believe on all of them, in 1948.”
Sorry I couldn’t get a more in-depth answer for you.
Tom
Thank-you, Tom. I appreciate your taking the time to inquire on my behalf. So, it is not as I had thought.
I like the look of the twin lens and would not mind altering the BLI model.
-Crandell