Restored headlight and base from the V&T locomotive Reno by V&T Enterprises.
Shortly following the devastating fire at Old Tucson Studios, V&T Enterprises began the task of first documenting extensively and then eventually restoring the last remaining headlight on the locomotive Reno completely. This headlight was fabricated in Buffalo, New York, by the U.S. Head-Light Co. before 1908, as also seen in the Fred Jukes photo of the Reno that same year. The interior light source originally was a removable fuel-based (acetylene) assembly tray, as evidenced by the chimney and (plugged) vertical cutouts on the reflector. After the engine was later electrified with a Pyle-National dynamo, this assembly was replaced with a light bulb and socket mounted on an adjustable gimbal to align the filament precisely on the parabolic reflector focus. Frosted glass marker boards with a stenciled “11” on the headlight’s wings were illuminated from within by a second interior light.
Due to the intense heat of the studio fire, fueled largely by the thick solid oak base just beneath the headlight, all cast parts within the headlight and the exterior glass marker boards literally shattered into pieces. Although their re-assembly was neither practical nor functional, their original dimensions and geometries could still be determined for later replication replacement.
The sheet metal headlight chassis posed another set of challenges, namely extensive corrosion and deterioration around the headlight base and elsewhere. The goal of this restoration was to preserve as much of the original artifact as possible and also restore its overall mechanical integrity. The chassis was first disassembled completely, with all component parts photographed, cleaned, and surveyed to create a complete set of assembly drawings. The chassis was then taken to a custom auto body shop and repaired with sealant before applying a primer coat and final exterior gloss black auto finish. Due to the extensive fire damage on the brass nosing around the base, a new replacement piece was also fabricated from brass pipe for nosing of the same dimensions as the original to fit around the replacement solid oak base.
Replica light bulb gimbal in aluminum by V&T Enterprises.
Upon completion, 26 highly detailed component drawings were generated. Of historical note, a patent date of May 11, 1915, was observed on the light socket gimbal, as well as other more obscure but clearly visible casting numbers appearing on various pieces. These drawings, as well as all accompanying photographs, provide an accurate and complete history of this historical artifact. This project also provided the author with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save an important artifact for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. For that, he is also most grateful to Old Tucson Studios.
For copies of the U.S. Headlight Co. drawings, please contact: [email protected].
U.S. Head-Light Co. chimney detail, by V&T Enterprises
