Correct MV Products Lenses for Pyle Natl Headlight?

Discussion in 'Steam Locomotives' started by yardmaster, Aug 21, 2007.

  1. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Folks -
    Anyone recommend a part number, proper diameter, etc. for an MV Lense that will fit a Pyle steam-era front headlight?

    I have some for F-units but it seems to be a wee bit too large for the steam loco casting.

    Thanks, in advance.
     
  2. friscomike

    friscomike Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Howdy Chris,

    It has been a long time since I used them, but I do have several packages of LS-14 MV lenses in the locomotive drawer. Since I only modeled steam (with the exception of one F7, I think that was the lense I used with the pyle lights.

    I pierced the rear of the reflector, put a fiber optic filament in the hole, then connected the other end to the bulb in the boiler.

    Best Regards,
    mike
     
  3. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Thanks, Mike - my stores department can now get the order put together!

    The fiber-optic idea's a good one, too. I'd been struggling with how to run the not-so-microbulb that came with the kit into the housing. Did you have to "flare" the end of the fiber where it inserts into the MV Lense?
     
  4. friscomike

    friscomike Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Howdy,

    As I recall, I sanded the end that went into the bulb and put silicon on the outside, so the sanded area did not get covered with glue. The flared the other end next to the bulb. You might try the sanding approach and jusdge the results before you use silicon on the lens. I think I drilled into the lens a ways too. I experimented a bit...

    Best Regards,
    mike
     
  5. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

    I haven't used any kind of lenses in my headlights. I put a "Q-Tip" in my Dremel tool or drill press, put some brass polish on it and polish the brass headlight reflector to a mirror finish, then put a clear lens on the front. If I want a PFM or micro miniature bulb in it, I drill the casting out first.
    The photo shows what it looks like. There's no bulb in this one, just the reflected light.
     

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  6. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Great tip, Don. That fits very well into my "use what I have on hand" philosophy. My casting comes with the clear lens already, and with a father-in-law working at a military school, I suspect I can find some brass cleaner!

    The Pacific that's nearly finished will run on my daytime trains so actual lighting's not as important. Pretty impressive results!

    Now to decide if I want to buy pre-cast air reservoirs or if I want to try to fabricate my own from an old MR article. :)
     
  7. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

    The Brasso lasts a long time. I'm still using the can I bought when I was in basic training in 1963!
     

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