Our Museum has recently had a Pyle National headlight off a scrapped New York Central Mikado, and the glass reflector behind the bulb is in peices. It may have been dropped off the engine when it was scrapped. We are trying to find a replacement for it, and if anyone knows of one available, or where I might be able to find one, please let me know. I can get the model # off the light if needed.

AAMSCO has bulbs. They might help, tell you who to ask or say they can not do anything for you. No loss either way.

http://www.aamsco.com/Lpage.php?id=RR

Perhaps Dave L. will chime in on this. I believe he has had success in adapting stainless steel mixing bowls as replacement reflectors. Dave?

Possibly. What size diameter reflector?

.....Gary

I'm actually well aware of the whole salad bowl idea, but it would be really nice to be able to restore the light the way it was. It's still in the truck, and I haven't actually measured it up yet. I'm sure that finding the glass reflector is a pretty tall order, that's why i figured i'd start here. The salad bowl idea is plan 'B'.

Along similar lines, I'm also looking for one of the number board doors off the side. Its aluminium, and the bottom of the casting is gone. IF I can get the other side off, I'm thinking of just getting one cast, but if anyone knows where I might find one of those pieces, let me know.

Ken,

Again, I may be able to help with the side number boards and glass too. Just get back to me with all the measurements as I can check over Thanksgiving weekend what is possible to help you with. ....Gary

New golden glass headlight reflectors are available from Strasburg. They had some on display at their vendor table at the last TRAIN convention.

E

Did you happen to notice if they also have new replacement lenses? We wound up using flat plexi.

You might want to contact Warren Lathom. He's got about three sets of NOS lenses and reflectors. His phone # is 815-335-2040.

And when that chunk of ballast the kid throws at it bounces off, you will be glad it is cheap replaceable plexiglass.

dave

Obviously, a good point, Dave. Still, it would be nice to have a lens to install for special occasions, such as if 107 is ever pulled out and parked by the depot with the Georgia Northern combine for a "postcard" photo or some such. Regarding the reflector and the metal bowl that remained in the headlight (that is painted silver), was that the support for a glass reflector that is long gone, and if so, how do you determine the size of glass reflector needed?

That is the original aluminum reflector, which had been sandblasted at some point in the past. I cleaned it, straightened it, and coated it with Chrome paint as I recall. Never had a glass reflector. The cast aluminum bezel has little retainers that are held in by screws to hold the lens in place if I'm recalling correctly. There's a rope gasket recessed into the bezel to support the outer side of the lens.

dave

Hi Ken.

If you haven't been able to locate a reflector yet, try Peerless Gong & Bell in Denver. They were recently gauging interest for a run of Pyle / Golden Glow type, parabolic reflectors. Contact is Steve Patterson, tel. (303) 256-8494.

Regards,
Gord McOuat
Halton County Radial Railway

Thanks Gord, I'll give it a try. The reflector is one thing, but the side number board it the other issue. This light is in very poor condition, and the aluminium side # board is missing the bottom part of the frame. Someone else ahd suggested Strasburg for the reflector, but if the price proves to be too much, I'll go with the stainless steel salad bowl for now. It's only for display afterall. Any idea where I might find a # board frame??

Hi Ken.

Might be worth taking it to a good welding shop to have them repair it.

As a matter of interest, Trans-lite of Milford, CT took over the Pyle National headlight line and still make a broad range of modern rail and transit lighting products. Perhaps they have drawings of details on older headlights?

Regards,
Gord