"Better" Lionel Headlight Lens?

There was a company called the optical lens company, or something like that. They were selling lenses for O and S gauge locos that were optically correct, along with mounting the bulbs a certain way.

Find a clear piece of plastic rod (maybe from clear spurns from plastic model windshield Etc.or from an old fashion hardware store) about the 1/4 or 3/16 inch diameter or what ever the size is.  Cut a piece about 3/8 inch long.  Heat piece of tin can or other metal with torch or on a stove (use clean fry pan!) and press the end of the rod to flatten it like the original lens.  It may take a try or two.

Charlie

How is the optical quality / beam focus using this method?

That's not a better way to do it, but it is a cheaper way to do it.

Thanks for your replies.  Yes, these were optically enhanced lenses designed to fit Post War castings.  But I can't find 'em now!

Jon

Jon, I believe you are correct. The company, whose name escapes me, was out of Danbury CT.

This is a web site that offers lens. Scroll down to, General Info and sizing chart.

http://www.hubhobbyshop.com/hint32.htm

Bob

Trick I learned from one of my model RR friends (HO, but I overlook that); I have used

this method to make lenses, diesel porthole glass and windows. Using a glue called "Sobo"

(from Hobby Lobby; I am sure that others will do - I believe that it is for fabrics)

and a toothpick, twirl a glob of the white glue in the opening until it grabs on all sides,

all the way across, then leave it alone for a day. Leave it in a position where gravity pulls

down on it from the proper direction to avoid sagging while it is wet. It will dry/cure clear, and is surprisingly tough. You can add more to the dried lens if you think that it is too thin; let cure again. They usually look good, are cheap and easy, and can be easily repaired, though I have never had one fail. Typical incandescent headlight bulbs don't seem to faze it.

Sobo is also a pretty good glue, in general; I think that it is water-free, so it doesn't

cause warpage of paper, cardboard, etc.