The Home Machinist!

For my boxcab engine built from 1/2" plywood, I want to mount headlights on either end. I don't want to use the type that stick out and look all fancy (like on a steam locomotive) but instead wanted something that essentially would flush mount with a nice polished bezel around it.

LEDs are easy on the current but they look like, well, LEDs. I thought about gutting some flashlights for the parts but a search online wasn't all that helpful. I want my headlights to be about 1.5" diameter and powered by batteries independent of the deep-cycle engine batteries.

Any thoughts?

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"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"

Beej,
Check out Nelson Reidel's method for a headlight. YOu can use the same type of headlight but that doesn't have LED's.

http://www.nelsonslocomotive.com/Shay/E ... icalII.htm

You can make the housing look like anything you want including recessing the thing with a groove so you screw on the bezel/lens from the outside and the rest is inside the cab.

I have spent more time than I want to admit just poring over his webpages.

Brian

Here is what I used. These can probably be mounted flush instead of on top of the hood:
http://www.electricscooterparts.com/headlights.html

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Dan Watson
Building IC mikado in 1.5" scale

I've done several headlights using the reflectors and lenses from cheap dollar store flashlights. Searching around, you can find a flashlight that is the right size to use. I use incandescant bulbs in lieu of LEDS because they are more authentic in brightness, especially on older models.

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Mr Ron, Almost as smart as the average bear.