Pyle National headlights

Loco112 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2014 1:59 pm

I have a 14" Pyle National headlight that I'm working on reverse engineering. Its about a 1920 version, and is a round steel can. (it is very similar to this P-N headlgiht on the Southern Railway No. 1401 in the Smithsonian; http://www.ljclark.com/blog/wp-content/ ... 67-d10.jpg )

I measured its O.D and I get about 45.625" which divided by pi (3.1416) gives me 14.5", so the true O.D is 14.5"

Pyle called these "14in" headlights. Was that becasue it takes a "14 in" reflector lense, and possibly a 14" front glass as well?

While we are here, Does anyone have the even rarer; 18" Pyle National Headlight?

tilfordtech · **Joined:** Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:45 pm **Posts:** 8

I have an 18" Pyle National headlight that I am starting to restore.
I got it long years ago while working at the Stone Mtn Scenic RR when we were cleaning out a bunch of old stuff.
I am positive that it was from SA&AP 60, although I am going to put it on RR&G 104 at the Southeastern Ry Museum when I finish.

The headlight is interesting in that it does not have a glass reflector. It is a spun brass reflector that has a silvered reflective surface.

I just got all of the hinge bolts and pins out and will replace these with brass stock once I bead blast the lens ring and number plate holders.

Kevin

tilfordtech · **Joined:** Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:45 pm **Posts:** 8

Here is the Pyle National 18" so far.
Hopefully in a week or so, it will be mounted on the 4-4-0 (RR&G 104/Louisiana Eastern 1) at the Southeastern Railway Museum.
The number board is a temporary and another has already been made.

Loco112 · **Posted:** Sun Sep 14, 2014 11:42 pm

That is about a 1923-1930 version front cover, because the raised leteering on the front cover was not there in 1920. The side board bases are from about 1918-1923, as they are the version that is set inside the case. On the post-1920 version the number board bases are outside the case, see this #557; viewtopic.php?f=1&t=37103

Yours has the 1918-1926 number board doors, that have two lobes.

18" lights are super rare no matter their vintage, and I'd rather have a later one than an eariler one. Its a nice piece.

I'd like to measure your light some day. Maybe also 3D scan it.

My light from C&S #646 is identicle to yours in detail, only mine is the 14" version.