lites

[capt.bob]

:confused: :confused: I,ve got this tug that has the standard non working lights mounted on the mast as well as the nav. lights& would like to convert them to operating lights problem is I bought the bought as a completed kit so I,m guessing I,ll have to remove the originals[not sure how to do this] or try to builda new masthead also not had much luck finding the new units,I found reg. LED,s bulbs[radio shack] I,m new to this but not afraid to jump in , just don,t want to make costly mistakes anybody have any sug. or advise thanks

[Soar Master]

Post some pictures, so we can get a better idea of what you have to work with. :)

[toesup]

Try Harbour models for lights to match the ones you have on the tug..

http://www.harbormodels.com/Harbormain/Templates/m13-lighting.htm

Also try Mack Products http://www.mackproductsrc.com/index.htm for lights.
Mack also make a 'step down' voltage regulator to run lights, it steps down the voltage from whatever you put in to it to a handy 3.5v ;)
http://www.mackproductsrc.com/L-26%20auto_control.htm

[rlboats2003]

Capt.Bob
Even before you start hooking up wires go to the Coast Guard website and (I know I going to misspell this) look for Coloregs (rules of the road) and go to the section on lighting and identify what type of lights you tug needs because of its real size and what it is being used for. I usually stay with international lighting but if you have a Towboat being used on the rivers consider looking at the Inland requirements. Once you know the lighting requirements then you can start thinking in terms of bulbs or Leds and how to power and mount them.

Have fun,
Rich

[Ghost 2501]

also when it comes to hiding the wires and routing them, keep it simple, and group all the (+) wires together and all the (-) wires together, yes you will have more wires uin the boat but if one bulb pops, the rest won't go out as well

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Capt.Bob
Even before you start hooking up wires go to the Coast Guard website and (I know I going to misspell this) look for Coloregs (rules of the road) and go to the section on lighting and identify what type of lights you tug needs because of its real size and what it is being used for. I usually stay with international lighting but if you have a Towboat being used on the rivers consider looking at the Inland requirements. Once you know the lighting requirements then you can start thinking in terms of bulbs or Leds and how to power and mount them.

Have fun,
Rich

Or, have a look at these two threads... :cool:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=490621

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=713996

[keith S]

I would sudjest that you figure out when and what lights you want to be running. If your tug is running free with no tow, then go with the simple set up on the mast with just the range light and standard running lights ( helps to KISS {keep it simple silly}). If you plan on moving cargo, figure out what lights need to be on then wire them up. Most models with working lights usally end up with them all on and looking like a Christmas tree ( I am guilty of that some times). Not very scale like --but does look cool. Might think about setting up switches to controll the other lights on the mast as need for particular situation.

[CaptLee]

Useed the multiple dipswitches for a computer for choice of running and mast light pattern and them just powered up with EMSJOMAR switch. Worked out OK, but it is a bit of engineering to figure out where to put them. Noticed on the full size tugs that the wires are mounted externally to the mast, when questioned the engineer why his comment was if there was a problem could get to them easier. So current boat has a bundle of 30 gauge railroad wires following the mast. Am working on LED from Xmas tree lights(All aspect type) for the one on the bench.

[Ghost 2501]

lee, i did similar with Gemini, running her main mast light external, then to hide it, white insulating tape!