Today I am proud to tell the community I figured out something fun and ...... wait for it..... illuminating! I wanted to make the search light on this tank functional and not only functional but cool at the same time. Granted this was generally used in the IR mode in real life but we do have some night battles in Phoenix there so why not? The key is finding something that won't melt the surrounding plastic, and runs on a reasonable power source. I don't want to tie it in to the main system (yet) but a future interest is adding relays for accessory fun.
IMG_7538 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
At the local ACE I found my solution, an LED upgrade for Mini MagLite Flashlights.
IMG_7539 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
Runs on 3 volts and cost 9 bucks. The reflector needed a little sanding to fit.
IMG_7540 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
I used a step drill to cut out the Tamiya part.
IMG_7541 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
Fit some plastic from a random Xmas gift packaging.
IMG_7542 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
Fit the reflector.
IMG_7543 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
Added the bulb...
IMG_7545 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
built up a bracket to hold it in.
IMG_7546 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
Wired ut up with some scrap from a dead DX-5.
IMG_7548 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
IMG_7551 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr
Used an old switch and some AAAs with a battery box from Radio Shack.
IMG_7552 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr

SHAZAAM!!!!

IMG_7553 by Ethan Dunsford, on Flickr