Converting Atlas RS-1 to twin beam headlight?

[Joetrain59]

Anyone do this before? Any detail parts to help do this?
 Thanks.
 Joe D

[peteski]

Couple of ideas:

1. Make a simple 1-piece mold of the Atlas/Kato RS-3's headlight and cast it in resin. Then slice off or sand down the large RS-1 bezel and glue on the cast twin-headlight.

2. Plug the large hole with a plastic rod, slice it off flush with the bezel, then drill 2 holes for the headlights.

[delamaize]

Couple of ideas:

1. Make a simple 1-piece mold of the Atlas/Kato RS-3's headlight and cast it in resin. Then slice off or sand down the large RS-1 bezel and glue on the cast twin-headlight.

2. Plug the large hole with a plastic rod, slice it off flush with the bezel, then drill 2 holes for the headlights.

This

[Chris333]

I think Detail Associates make plastic twin beam headlights.  #8216 #8217

[Joetrain59]

Thanks Guys. DA is still around? Thought they were kinda' sketchy with production.
 Joe D

[Chris333]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Detail-Associates-N-8216-Headlights-Dual-Early-Plastic-4-in-package-/380840285437?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item58abd994fd#ht_691wt_1124

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Keep in mind, it's not that simple as filling the hole and drilling new ones.

People are right about the headlight detail, but I don't think it's that simple.

In reality, companies made "twin sealed beam conversions" that mounted in the old headlight space. They usually had some detail to them. Let me see if I can find good pics.

[peteski]

Here is the Atlas RS-3 I mentioned earlier.  The cover is slightly domed and the small lenses ave bezels around it.  That is the option 1 I mentioned was to make a casting of this headlight.

[Joetrain59]

I did purchase the DA parts that Chris mentioned. Never did any resin casting before. Do have Atlas/Kato RS-2.
 Thanks,
 Joe D

[Chris333]

I think the detail would be 4 bolts that hold the plate on. Probably those same 4 bolts hold the single big lens on. So fill the hole and slap on the new light.

[wm3798]

I did this on a LL BL-2.  I simply painted the single beam lens black, then scratched out two "holes" in the paint.  You can add dots of gloss mod podge to get a more convex effect.

Lee

[Joetrain59]

Lee, a close-up would be better, if you have one. I thought about your idea, just exploring options. I dig that slug, though!!!! Nice.
 Joe D

[wm3798]

Thanks.  That's the best shot I have available.  I sold that unit a couple years ago.

Lee

[jmlaboda - RIP]

Something else to consider about these sealed beam lights... they could be mounted horizontal or vertical depending on the railroads' preference.  If you go looking at just about any early ALCO road switcher or yard switcher that was so equipped you will see what I mean...

[Joetrain59]

Jerry, I'm working with a CNJ loco. Pix from FF show horizontal set-up.
 But, alas, e-bay order was cancelled as vendor realized he did not have in stock.
 Joe D