HEADLIGHT FOR THE GOAT JULY 6, 2011

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FINALLY A WORKING HEADLIGHT - The Goat is the last of the 4 engines to get a working headlight.  The Galloping Goose, Critter #2, and Critter #4 are already done.

IT STARTS WITH A MALIBU LIGHT - This is a low-voltage light for sidewalks, 12 volts, with a 4 watt bulb, sold at Home Depot for 4.97.

FRONT LENS - A piece of Plexiglas was cut, filed, masked, and painted.  Then the bulb reflector and Plexiglas were attached to the case with 1/2 inch screws.

CUTTING A CASE THAT FITS - The end cap of a 2.5-inch plastic conduit pipe is the perfect size for the headlight case.  It was cut and the ends filed smooth.

WIRING - A miniature on/off switch was installed on the back of the headlight case (a piece of .030 inch styrene).  Wires were routed under the bracket and through the boiler front to a connector as used in Aristocraft G scale loco-to-car wiring.

BRIGHT ENOUGH FOR YA? - I replaced the 4-watt bulb with a 7 watt.  It's really bright, even in the daylight, maybe even too bright.  But it should certainly light up the track ahead at night!