Detailing a CP AC4400CW With Working Ditchlights??

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K

kz9

Member
Ok so I have ordered a couple Details West kits (DS-230) and waiting for those to arrive. I noticed that the ditch lights that come with the kit, I have a couple packages in my detail bin already and tried to adapt Athearn SD70 ditchlight bulbs into the castings.

Well that did not turn out so well:p:mad:

For those that might have done this or have a better way of making functional ditchlights for this loco, please send a few pointers my way.

I have one set left and on the first set I tried drilling out the housing and down the back and the other I tried notching and filing the other. So I have 2 attemps left at doing this right:D

I know that KATO units have functioning ones, but KATO parts just list the lenses and not the housings. They are probely part of the Anti-climber....



cpac44front1.jpg
 
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Seems that know one wants to chime in tho. I think I am going to end up using DL-228 which are for EMD's. This way I can install bulb easier then drilling out other styles....
 


You may us use what is called a "surface mount LED", its a led, flat, about the size ouf a pin head and is very easy to put behind the lense, you only need a super-mini drill to pass the wire. its the same size than brass handrail wire

Richmond Control make them in a color that is amost 100% like a incandescent bulb
 
I have been using 0603 SMD LEDs in Golden White color and they work great. Here are some examples.

SMDLED.png


DSC06572.png


DSC06416.jpg


DSC06420.jpg
 
MGWSY. Which ditchlight castings do you typically like to use to fit those LEDs? I suppose it depends on which type the perticular locomotive your working on used?
 
MGWSY said:
You can get the LEDs on EBay such as here.

http://cgi.ebay.com/100p-SMD-SMT-06...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563cfd4a62


Wire here. Make sure its solderable or self fluxing as some you literally have to scrape off the enamel coating using an Xacto blade and its a PITA.

http://cgi.ebay.com/38-AWG-GAUGE-MA...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335d924ce8
Click to expand...

Ok I just ordered both of those!!! Thanks Mark for the links. I have been looking for weeks now trying to find small enough supplies for my projects and these should work great!
 


ChevelleSSguy said:
MGWSY. Which ditchlight castings do you typically like to use to fit those LEDs? I suppose it depends on which type the perticular locomotive your working on used?
Click to expand...

I pretty much use what the real loco has. I try and use Detail Associate parts as the plastic is easier to work with but O do use Details Wast parts to. Once I solder the wire to the LEDs I work on the DL casting and drill it out for DW Lenses Part # 341. Paint the casting, Insert the lens from the front. Glue the LED from the rear using Micro Scale Kristal Clear or Elmers White Glue. Let it dry overnight, then paint the back and test it out painting any areas that bleed light through.
 
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