Gauge lights

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Gra2472
Posts: 274
Joined: Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:02 pm
Location: Monte Rio California

Gauge lights

Post by Gra2472 »

Good morning folks. I hope all are well. I am still in the process of moving into my new house, so I won't be working on my locomotive for a while. However, while I was washing down the kitchen (we had the house tented for beetles last week) that I need to figure out lights for my water glass and steam pressure gauge. Any suggestions?
7.5" Allen Mogul
3 x 7.5" West Valley Baldwin Westinghouse Electrics
The railroad is almost done.
G. Augustus
Monte Rio, Ca.
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NP317
Posts: 4557
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:57 pm
Location: Northern Oregon, USA

Re: Gauge lights

Post by NP317 »

For my water glass I used a 1" length of 1/4" diameter brass tubing with part of a side milled out, and painted white inside. A white LED glues nicely inside, providing all the light needed through the opening.
Wiring hangs from the cab roof, inside coiled SS wire flex tubing.

The gauges are lit by 3 spot LEDs arranged along the back top of the cab rear wall.
Each LED is aimed at a gauge, providing direct light plus ambient general lighting in the cab.
I made small top shields from brass, so the LEDs don't blind my vision at night.
Produces a nice effect.
RussN
Attachments
317 Cab 2small.jpg
317 Cab 1small.jpg
Gra2472
Posts: 274
Joined: Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:02 pm
Location: Monte Rio California

Re: Gauge lights

Post by Gra2472 »

Very cool! I hadn't thought of putting spot lights on the back wall. Thanks!
7.5" Allen Mogul
3 x 7.5" West Valley Baldwin Westinghouse Electrics
The railroad is almost done.
G. Augustus
Monte Rio, Ca.
User avatar
cbrew
Posts: 3161
Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2003 12:17 pm
Location: Vancouver Wa

Re: Gauge lights

Post by cbrew »

My brother ad to replace the running leds on his peterbuilt truck, the led inserts make great cab lights, they are the right color and easy to mount on the roof of the cab

I also found a LED that is intended to be used to light up a license plate works great for a site gauge light
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If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
Gra2472
Posts: 274
Joined: Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:02 pm
Location: Monte Rio California

Re: Gauge lights

Post by Gra2472 »

Too cool CBrew!
7.5" Allen Mogul
3 x 7.5" West Valley Baldwin Westinghouse Electrics
The railroad is almost done.
G. Augustus
Monte Rio, Ca.
User avatar
makinsmoke
Posts: 2260
Joined: Thu Jul 10, 2003 12:56 pm
Location: Texas Hill Country

Re: Gauge lights

Post by makinsmoke »

Of course Dave Sclavi sells some very nice lights.....
Gra2472
Posts: 274
Joined: Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:02 pm
Location: Monte Rio California

Re: Gauge lights

Post by Gra2472 »

I have tried Mercer Locomotive Works and have heard nothing back.
7.5" Allen Mogul
3 x 7.5" West Valley Baldwin Westinghouse Electrics
The railroad is almost done.
G. Augustus
Monte Rio, Ca.
User avatar
fl_mikado
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2009 7:42 pm
Location: Parrish, FL

Re: Gauge lights

Post by fl_mikado »

Dave is usually very good about getting back to you. He may be travelling to Florida for the Winter Meets as he has the past few years.
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