Bill Barnwell
Registered
LGB 3080 coach I kit bashed into an observation car. During a hurricane several years ago a branch fell on my 3081 combine crushing 1 side of it and busting the roof, the 3080 coach was untouched. So using parts from the combine I constructed an observation car with platform like the 1930-40 style. I used the back bulk head and cut a window opening where the stove was and moved the bulkhead forward 1 set of windows, that let 1 set of windows out side of the car but still enclosed under roof. Added flooring and roof edge trim, and metal railing from a g scale Bachmann coach. Roof trim was from styrene strip cut with pinking shears and rounding off the points. also added a lit drumhead from Bachmann. Lettering was done with a Silhouette cameo unit. Lighting is all led and is internal. I used a 2AAA batter holder under the clearstory with switch in the front part of the clearstory on the side. there are 2 10mm led's in the coach suspended on a styrene strip mounted at the same location as the factory mounting holes wiring, except for the battery holder and switch, is copper lead glass tape with wires soldered to it. the side marker light are also lit and there is a yellow led on the back observation platform, have to keep the bugs away. Added 2 cut down playmobil chairs to the rear for the rich seating. Once by accident left the lights on and a week later it was still lit, and am still using the same batteries.
