I got a new idea....

[ReneDK]

My next project should have been a Torro M16 halftrack, but due to an ugly big car bill it unfortunately has to wait a bit....
But then got another idea instead....
https://i.ibb.co/t4MQy2z/IMG-20230817-143922.jpg (https://ibb.co/yXndLkp)
Had this wild led which takes a 9v battery directly and since I was in Normandy I've been a bit crazy about the big anti-aircraft searchlight so why not play around with that idea.

This model I'm thinking of.
https://i.ibb.co/vcJYT6v/Screenshot-20230407-060549-com-google-android-googlequicksearchbox-edit-1128554025169980.jpg (https://ibb.co/515FSgx)
After a trip to various boxes and around the boys' room, I had a few things to go on with.
Here is what I achieved today... Now it needs some paint and the electrics installed, so time will tell if it can look roughly right.
https://i.ibb.co/ZNpnr43/IMG-20230817-110004.jpg (https://ibb.co/kMsRTbp)
https://i.ibb.co/j4Wd4nJ/IMG-20230817-133159.jpg (https://ibb.co/RHB1HRj)
https://i.ibb.co/1sFBNLz/IMG-20230817-133208.jpg (https://ibb.co/vs0fWHX)
It won't be 100%, I know.

[frizzen]

That's a really bright idea!

Do you have metal Coffee Cans available to try looking at for the light housing?

[ReneDK]

No, unfortunately not, I plan to try this one in plastic, but I don't know if it can withstand the heat

[jerry56]

Metal coffee cans might be hard to come by, what about any large metal vegetable can...

Really bright idea.... I see what you did there...LOL

[Zabco]

Awesome! Something new and different, I love it. That LED chip will generate some heat but if you mount it on a larger aluminum heat sink it might be ok in the plastic container. Put some short standoffs between the container and the heat sink so air can circulate around it.

[ReneDK]

Really bright idea.... I see what you did there...LOL

Wish I had caught it myself first😂👍

[ReneDK]

The back of the joint is no problem, it hardly gets hot. If plastic can't hold, I go in search of a metal can.
Lower parts will also be slightly different as it does not get the wheel completely free in corners, but will sit inside underneath.

[frizzen]

Sorry, it was a pretty bad joke...
I'm glad it should be a cool enough led to work in that setup.

I'm thinking this would look killer next to something like a M45 Quad-mount 50cal

[ddmckee54]

You going to have the LED so that it shines back into the reflector like on the original? Or just mount the LED on the back surface of the light so it shines out?

[ReneDK]

I'm thinking this would look killer next to something like a M45 Quad-mount 50cal

https://www.torro-shop.de/1-16-RC-M16-Half-track
This one will be my next vehicle

[ReneDK]

Sorry, it was a pretty bad joke...

I thought it was very funny, just my kind of humor!

[ReneDK]

You going to have the LED so that it shines back into the reflector like on the original? Or just mount the LED on the back surface of the light so it shines out?

It will be the easy solution so that it just shines out without reflection.

[ReneDK]

So It got primer for the first time
https://i.ibb.co/BZPCpY0/IMG-20230824-093554.jpg (https://ibb.co/4TfVq0h)
Also started fitting lights and it all works, still need the finished paint and some weathering.
https://i.ibb.co/56cHZt0/IMG-20230824-114402.jpg (https://ibb.co/0cJb587)
https://i.ibb.co/RzycFZs/IMG-20230824-114435.jpg (https://ibb.co/3Bzc3Gj)
As I said, I know it's not 100% "right", but I hope it will be okay
https://i.ibb.co/tCPQ03Y/IMG-20230824-114545.jpg (https://ibb.co/zfHQ3NP)
https://i.ibb.co/KcnbRdT/IMG-20230824-114553.jpg (https://ibb.co/1Yc7h1F)

[jerry56]

Wow.. it looks great....it will go well with the rest of your WW2 stuff....

[ReneDK]

Thank you, and yes, I hope it will fit in

[ReneDK]

Then it was finished
https://i.ibb.co/DQfhKkz/IMG-20230825-183836.jpg (https://ibb.co/yqFts5d)
https://i.ibb.co/gWpJVh8/IMG-20230825-183842.jpg (https://ibb.co/wQX4sjq)
https://i.ibb.co/CsJfG7h/IMG-20230825-183851.jpg (https://ibb.co/x8mNTjJ)
https://i.ibb.co/5GsMQbm/IMG-20230825-183909.jpg (https://ibb.co/JmrBYDV)
https://i.ibb.co/f0211Wd/IMG-20230825-183923.jpg (https://ibb.co/zfrnngV)
https://i.ibb.co/LxhDRQC/IMG-20230825-183930.jpg (https://ibb.co/jyZ9fVL)

A Sherman just came by
https://i.ibb.co/jHzSxDD/IMG-20230825-184507.jpg (https://ibb.co/DLYZ6QQ)
https://i.ibb.co/CtP9BfN/IMG-20230825-184519.jpg (https://ibb.co/6ZXtYkV)

Pictures of on and off
https://i.ibb.co/FsDLX4N/IMG-20230825-185611.jpg (https://ibb.co/Gs549QB)
https://i.ibb.co/k5SCcDK/IMG-20230825-185600.jpg (https://ibb.co/MZC0N1n)

And then just a link to a small video on YT
https://youtu.be/KHpkwXwdwU0?si=xOSo-fu5cKWrXxJJ
https://youtube.com/shorts/5t6GsbOrr6U?si=5PmwfLDJkCAN7tMU

[ddmckee54]

Not bad for something made from stuff laying around. Now all you need is a scale HE111 pinned in the searchlight beam. (Or maybe make your own Bat signal?)

[ReneDK]

Thanks

[Zabco]

looks very good. Now you need a trailer mounted generator to go with it.

[frizzen]

That's looking really awesome!

Love the creativity and detailing that went into this. Markings and dataplates really sell it, and the rectangular panel on the side looks the part of controls or a mounted radio.

Better get busy making some scale Plane Spotter Playingcards to get your guys used to quickly identifying profiles...

[ReneDK]

looks very good. Now you need a trailer mounted generator to go with it.

Yes, I have thought about that... Could well become a project later.

[ReneDK]

That's looking really awesome!

Love the creativity and detailing that went into this. Markings and dataplates really sell it, and the rectangular panel on the side looks the part of controls or a mounted radio.

Better get busy making some scale Plane Spotter Playingcards to get your guys used to quickly identifying profiles...

Thanks
It could be fun with a few Gi Joes standing and looking at small cards

[jerry56]

That came out great!!!
Like Frizzen said that little id plate is a great touch.

[ReneDK]

That came out great!!!
Like Frizzen said that little id plate is a great touch.

Thanks my friend