Working Lights

[Colin Richards]

Does anyone have any knowledge of where I can source working headlights and sidelights for the half-track?

All suggestions would be welcome including ideas for converting the lights supplied with the kit.


hope someone can be of help

Colin

[Jeffrey Goff]

Hi Colin, this is something that I have got to do as well, the white metal castings would take to much time to convert, I will form the body of the lights in brass, using a doming block and punch, not sure yet about the glass, but there are plenty of cheap torches, and it might be possible to use the front end, as for the side and rear lights I will use l.e.d.s, I will use a low voltage battery, and hope to have a working switch on the dash;

how is your build going, and what stage are you at

regards
Jeff

[Colin Richards]

Hi Jeff

thanks for the advice. I don't live too far from you just the other side of Stamford at the end of the A43.

The build is going well, I've completed the chassis and the seats and just starting on the sides.

I'm using the photos kindly provided by Vince and a US website calle 'Toadman's tank photos' for info to add a few extras to the build. I will wait to hear further reports on how the lights are progressing

Colin
.

[Jeffrey Goff]

Hi Colin, I started on the headlights tonight, I used brass for the body, and post, this I drilled and threaded, and riveted to the bottom, the hole in the bumper was enlarged and tapped to fit the thread, so when screwed home it will be secure and have a hole for the wiring;
I will post some more pictures of the lights as the work progresses

regards
Jeff

[Colin Richards]

Jeff
The pictures look ace. How long did it take to bash out the lamp casing? The finish on the brass looks very smooth, you've obviously done this type of work before. Have you sourced the lense yet for the lights?

Colin

[Jeffrey Goff]

Hi Colin, the first one I raised in about 1/4 of an hour, the second one took three goes and about 2 hours to match the first in shape and size, I should have made them both at the same time, I am making metal fronts with the blackout slit, I should have these made by tomorrow and will post some pictures

regards
Jeff

[Jeffrey Goff]

Hi Colin, have added some pictures to the gallery, I used 3mm superbright LEDs, bought from Maplins, works on 3volts, I used a clear mouldable plastic for the lens, it just helps to diffuse the light,
now for the side and rear lights, that should be easy.

regards
Jeff

[Colin Richards]

What can I say Jeff, very impressed with the build.
You've come a long way since I first saw the half track in Lee's shed.
I like the side panel clamps. I've just added dummies to my panels and will eventually bolt the panels in place, fill up the contersunk holes and hopefully not have to gain access to the front end of the model again. I've fitted the bonnet with magnets to gain access to the batteries.
I like the dummy tool shelves at the rear, I think I'll have to copy.

Look forward to the next photos of the build
Colin

[Jeffrey Goff]

Hi Colin, I have just re-worked the fromt lights, as the blackout covers were cr*p; I domed some mild steel for the reflectors, and engraved the lens, it looks 100% beter, Made both side lights, with brackets, these work, and have just finished the rear lights, just the side mounted spotlight, and the front Notek to go on the lighting front, have added some pictures to the gallery

regards
Jeff