
Tinplate Trolley Porn: Updated Switch Lanterns
As research has made me painfully aware, 1122-123 lanterns with the large red and green lenses are pretty much unobtanium these days. However, it is possible to make fairly credible looking replicas with common items you find around the house (if your house is a fully stocked parts depot).
Since I don't, alas, have such a Xanadu, I had to make do with an order from The Train Tender (http://www.ttender.com).
For each lantern assembly, you will require:
1 ea) 1122-177 lantern assy reproduction
2 ea) 711-52 red lens dish type MPC
2 ea) 711-53 green lens dish type MPC
Adhesive of your choice (I used a gel type ACC)
Assembly is straightforward. I tried assembling them as-is and after removing the red and green coloring from the lantern assemblies (helpful hint: Williams' Lectric Shave is great for removing permanent market and other clear inks/dyes from plastic surfaces). If you leave the coloring on, the light color is richer but a bit dimmer.
Total parts cost per lantern: $2.50. Worth the effort, I think, as the updated lanterns give a better visual indication, particularly at a distance.
Here's the upgraded switch lanterns on display atop a Lionel 1122 switch on my layout. L-R: Unmodded, original lens, MPC lens, one actually in the switch. PCCs L-R: SEPTA, NJPS, PRCo, with a SFMUNI car peeking out from behind the barn (Car! Barn! Carbarn! I got a million of 'em, folks!)
Since I don't, alas, have such a Xanadu, I had to make do with an order from The Train Tender (http://www.ttender.com).
For each lantern assembly, you will require:
1 ea) 1122-177 lantern assy reproduction
2 ea) 711-52 red lens dish type MPC
2 ea) 711-53 green lens dish type MPC
Adhesive of your choice (I used a gel type ACC)
Assembly is straightforward. I tried assembling them as-is and after removing the red and green coloring from the lantern assemblies (helpful hint: Williams' Lectric Shave is great for removing permanent market and other clear inks/dyes from plastic surfaces). If you leave the coloring on, the light color is richer but a bit dimmer.
Total parts cost per lantern: $2.50. Worth the effort, I think, as the updated lanterns give a better visual indication, particularly at a distance.
Here's the upgraded switch lanterns on display atop a Lionel 1122 switch on my layout. L-R: Unmodded, original lens, MPC lens, one actually in the switch. PCCs L-R: SEPTA, NJPS, PRCo, with a SFMUNI car peeking out from behind the barn (Car! Barn! Carbarn! I got a million of 'em, folks!)
Category Photography / Still Life
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1024 x 768px
File Size 221.8 kB
http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/groupee/forums
I'm sure you'll get a warm reception, folks seem to notice newcomers and make sure to greet them :)
I'm sure you'll get a warm reception, folks seem to notice newcomers and make sure to greet them :)
Well, you can always rebuild...
Heck, my display layout fits into a large gym bag, not including the grass mat, tables and rolling stock...
Heck, my display layout fits into a large gym bag, not including the grass mat, tables and rolling stock...
Comments