Fixing a brass Erie 2-8-4, Class S-4 for Erieman

[ACL1504]

I wanted to have cab curtains and here is how I made them.

Many years ago, I found some cloth paper. It feels like cloth but it is actually paper. I've used this in other threads to make curtains. If you are a new viewer to my additional details this is quite simple. You can also use a good quality paper napkin from one of the better chain restaurants.

I have a small piece here, And, yes, it is pink.



I measured the cab from the cab top to the bottom of the cab and cut two pieces off the small square.

I then folded them over on themselves. I tied a knot, using thread, a little from the bottom.



I then painted the two cab curtains with Floquil Earth.



When these dry, I'll weather them using some light and dark A&I wash/stain.

More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I had a conversation with Frank this morning concerning the headlight light. He wanted to know if I planned on placing some sort of cover on the light.

I hope Thom can back me up on this next statement.

"When working on another's brass, plastic or diesel, one should always anticipate any questions and be ready to answer assertively."

In years past, lighting a brass loco was done with a 1.5v mini lamp using a CIL (Constant Intensity Light) unit. One could also use a 12v GOW (grain of wheat) bulb and wire it directly to the motor leads. However, as the speed increased, the intensity of the bulb also increased. AH, the good old days.

Prior to DCC either one of these options was acceptable and actively practiced.

Anyway, I knew immediately where Frank was headed.

He wanted to know if I planned on using a MV lens in the headlight bracket without actually asking me. I then said, "Do you mean installing a MV lens?" He said, "Yes, you are way ahead of me."

More in a few.

[ACL1504]

So, let's talk about MV Lens. These were sold by a Company out of Orange, CA. back in the late 80's and 90's. They are still offered in the Walthers catalog.

They were called M. V. Products and were a good realistic light lens for models.

Here is one that will fit on Frank's loco headlight.




The one shown above fits many different locos. This particular one fits on about 60 different brass locos. I won't list them all here.

The purpose of the MV lens was to give your loco the appearance of a light without actually having one. It is backed by a bright silver foil.

You can see the back side of the lens in the photo below.




Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

It didn't take us brass repair/painting guys to figure out the foil on the back could be removed. By doing this, we also discovered the lack of foil on the back made the little 1.5v lamp look much brighter and more of a realistic looking headlight.

You can see the foil is partially removed in the next photo.



Many years later the micro and nano LEDs arrived on the scene.

I'm installing a micro LED in the headlight of Frank's Eire loco. This LED will negate the need for a lens. Actually the lens will make the light look much worse.

Here you see the LED in the headlight.




More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I'm using a 9 volt battery and a 1K resistor to show you the difference in using a lens  and not using a lens with the LED.

The first photo shows the lit LED with the MV lens in place. Its to bright and not realistic.



This next photo is the lit LED without the MV lens. Its not as bright and looks more realistic.



So, to answer Frank's question, " Yes, Frank, you get no MV lens on this loco!"

More tomorrow night. I need to upload and crop some more pictures.

[ACL1504]

Price update.

Installing bell and whistle cords, cab windows, painting cab windows, making/painting cab curtains = Two  hours and 15 minutes. No charge for the LED and MV lens lesson.

ACL1504            18.25 hours = $456.25

Unknown guy     18.25 hours = $638.75

Darryl                 18.25 hours = $821.25

Steve                  18.25 hours = $1003.75

Boy am I ever loosing money here! Just kidding, but if I did start back I'd be between the Unkown guy and Darryl. Probably closer to Darryl.

[tct855]

Mr. ACL1504,
                       
         You are correct sir on all of the above statements!  I've seen the same on the headlighting as well.  Added note:  I sometimes fill in the headlight area with one of the clear rubber glues which helps to fill up the air void of not having an actual lens. Each model is it own creation.

          I heard a nasty rumor, that you were going to light up the markers as well on this beautifully redone model to round out the overall viewing and operating of this high dollar piece of art.  Excuse me while I duct.  I think I hear a loaded diet pepsi flying my way!!!
                                                                                                                  Thanx Thom...

[ACL1504]

Mr. ACL1504,
                       
         You are correct sir on all of the above statements!  I've seen the same on the headlighting as well.  Added note:  I sometimes fill in the headlight area with one of the clear rubber glues which helps to fill up the air void of not having an actual lens. Each model is it own creation.

          I heard a nasty rumor, that you were going to light up the markers as well on this beautifully redone model to round out the overall viewing and operating of this high dollar piece of art.  Excuse me while I duct.  I think I hear a loaded diet pepsi flying my way!!!
                                                                                                                  Thanx Thom...

Thom,

I'm not sure Frank would appreciate the extra feature you suggested. Especially considering that it would raise the price another 3-4 bills.

Yes, it is a nasty rumor that the markers will be lit. A Diet Pepsi is on the way so go to your corner and wait. You just need to decide if you want it to hit the back of your head or your forehead.

Tom

[tct855]

T~,
      Oh, I think I just got b-itched slapped!  I'm in your corner so I'm going to use my cat like reflects and duck! ha.  Keep going teach I'm all eyes. Oh and there's another apple on the workbench for you.  Thanx Thom...

[ACL1504]

T~,
      Oh, I think I just got b-itched slapped!  I'm in your corner so I'm going to use my cat like reflects and duck! ha.  Keep going teach I'm all eyes. Oh and there's another apple on the workbench for you.  Thanx Thom...

Th~,

Okay, you are forgiven this time. But don't let it happen a gain.

BTW, is your apple the one with the worm?

Tom

[tct855]

Thanks T~, you're a good man Charlie Brown!!!

[Erieman]

Thom,


I learned a long time ago not to give any S*^t to the guy who is doing such a wonderful job painting / fixing your brass engine. ACL 1504 is a learned modeler and I pull my full trust in his decisions. I can't wait to see it run on my layout, but that will be another day. He is probably running it on his layout today with the judge!


Frank / Erieman

[GPdemayo]

Thom,


I learned a long time ago not to give any S*^t to the guy who is doing such a wonderful job painting / fixing your brass engine. ACL 1504 is a learned modeler and I pull my full trust in his decisions. I can't wait to see it run on my layout, but that will be another day. He is probably running it on his layout today with the judge!


Frank / Erieman

Frank is 100% right, Thom.....remember this is the same guy who gave poor ole' JimmyD a coronary when one of Jimmy's structures went up in flames. 

[ACL1504]

Thom,


I learned a long time ago not to give any S*^t to the guy who is doing such a wonderful job painting / fixing your brass engine. ACL 1504 is a learned modeler and I pull my full trust in his decisions. I can't wait to see it run on my layout, but that will be another day. He is probably running it on his layout today with the judge!


Frank / Erieman

Frank,

Happy Birthday my friend. The loco sound is being installed this week. I should have a video of it running on the A&S RR next week.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Thom,


I learned a long time ago not to give any S*^t to the guy who is doing such a wonderful job painting / fixing your brass engine. ACL 1504 is a learned modeler and I pull my full trust in his decisions. I can't wait to see it run on my layout, but that will be another day. He is probably running it on his layout today with the judge!


Frank / Erieman

Frank is 100% right, Thom.....remember this is the same guy who gave poor ole' JimmyD a coronary when one of Jimmy's structures went up in flames. 

What? I'll say it again, it was Slim's LED that burned the station. Certainly not me!

T~