P2K GP30 nose lights

[CP_8530]

A quickie I did today to finally add some lighting to the nose lights of a Proto 2000 GP30 model. As many know, they come with the giant weight inside, but no provisions for adding lighting to the nose, even if it has a light assembly on it.

After lots of hacking with a bastard mill file and a few smaller ones in my file set, I had a nice notch filed out on the nose where the light bulb would fit between the weight and the shell. I also filed a grove across the top of the weight to run the wires.



I used one of the smaller Miniatronics 12-16V bulbs, and secured it with some tape.



I've test-fitted it, and lit the nose up. Next step is to paint the inside of the nose black (to reduce light bleeding through the shell) and wire it up.

[CP_8530]

The model I have came with a set in the nose. Even though they're not the correct Pyle type, I'm going to leave them for now.

[stewarttrains98]

very good idea, thanks for sharing your method with us.

[CP_8530]

Thanks. I still don't know why Life-Like didn't include some way to light the nose lights.



It's not perfect, a bit more light shines through the bottom light. But it achieves the desired effect. Maybe on the next one I'll file more off the bottom part so I can place the light better, or just file the nose of the weight flat, drill through it and run the light that way.

Now to touch up the chipping paint on the handrails...

[graftonterminalrr]

Reading your post, I was just thinking "wonder if he's modelling the same loco as I am?" Turns out you are. I'm doing CP 5001 as she appeared in '88.

I've run into the same issue as you, with the only difference being that I'm using the sound chassis.

You wouldn't mind posting a side shot for me, would ya? It'd help get the creative juices flowing, as that project of mine has been on the back burner for about a year now.

[CP_8530]

If you insist Kris, but I'm afraid it's mostly a stock unit:



Photo shows the handrails before the white paint touch up. I still need to replace that bell I stuck on it a few years ago and add some ditch lights sometime. Those Kaslo plows look great though, and they are easy to install (remove the glued-in footboards and presto).

If I had to start from scratch, I'd do a number of things off the bat: install the CPR style steps, modify the rear light, replace the 36' fan with an early EMD one, replace those plastic handrails with metal ones for two reasons: so they won't break near the steps, and to get the correct profile.

[stewarttrains98]

Very nice looking model. I like the look of the lower headlight. I have plans to do that to several of the rebuilds that are in future.