Have you also tried going round the edges of the light glazing with a permanent marker, this will reduce the light bleed a little?

Yes, thanks for that suggestion. When I pull them out again, I'll adjust the level of the headcode/plasticard inserts very slightly and paint some black around the edges of the two main raised glazed panels. As you suggest, that should improve things further.

I had a fiddle around with fitting a headcode in mine the other week, and whilst I'm not yet satisfied, the light bleed around the edges was a little visible. I'll try the black marker/paint around the backs of the moulding, but it's difficult to see where it's needed. But, it is really necessary to run with the headcode lights lit? Can you switch it so the marker lights are used, but the headcode not... wouldn't that be more prototypical for these ??? not that I know... I just can't see the headcodes being lit during daylight,

Jon

I'm not sure about whether they were lit during daylight hours or not but, for sure, even if they were, you wouldn't be able to see it until the train entered a tunnel or other dark area. That's why I chose setting 2 on the dimness for the TCS decoder and also why I don't mind the usual dimness of all the earlier Heljan locos.

I did remove them again last night and painted around the whole front of the glazing except for the raised bits that become the actual head code glasses when inserted in the model. I made sure to paint the raised edges as well.

I haven't taken any pics yet but it has improved the appearance even further.