Layout Lighting

[kevrail]

I thought I would post this thread re lighting your layout, simply because I have had a lot of favourable comments on the lighting on my layout.

 

Generally I use LEDs 9v-12v for my buildings as most of them are Metcalfe Kits and with less heat than Grain Wheat bulbs are safer to use. Also they are just as inexpensive as the Grain Wheat.

 

The 2 types illustrated are shown

 

1- Pre Wired 5mm Clear LEDs with White Light for DC12V - DC16V' they also come in Pre Wired 3mm Clear LEDs with White Light for DC12V - DC16V'

 

they can be bought of ebay and the link below gives you a selection

to choose from

 

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sis.html?_kw=30+pcs+Pre+Wired+5mm+Clear+LEDs+with+White+Light+for+DC12V+-+DC16V&_id=400317779751

 

 

 

2 - SMD Strip 300mm length 12v ( A disadvantage to this type is that you have to solder the +ve and -ve but is not a major problem really)

 

I buy these type of ebay from the same guy and is very good providing information. He has a good selection of colours which allows a mix and match approach to your buildings as can be seen in Kilcoole

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SMD-Strip-300mm-length-12v-BRIGHT-WHITE-Buy-2-get-double-/160953051862?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item25798caad6

 

 

 

I have included some examples of what may be very easily achieved from my layout

 

5mm Led used to light outside of signal box Shown lit

 

5mm LED shown unlit

 

I hope this is of use to someone

[Broithe]

Veissmann do some nice LED streetlights that plug into their bases, so they can easily be removed and replaced, should you need to do some work beyond them..

[kevrail]

Veissmann do some nice LED streetlights that plug into their bases, so they can easily be removed and replaced, should you need to do some work beyond them..

 

Yes I know they do but I find this is a cheaper alternative and just as effective especially in buildings and you can use plug and socket connectors on these if required

[kevrail]

 

Use of the Blue LED strip

 

 

[kevrail]

And here is the final result

[BosKonay]

Stunning! And very useful

[kevrail]

For my Street Lighting I have used 12v Grain Wheat which I bought of ebay. The single lamps shown below worked out quite well but the double lamps I do NOT recommend as they are a nightmare to wire up due to the 4 un-insulated wires

 

 

 

 

There is a great selection on ebay to suit style and price. I bought mine from the following. they are plastic and can be painted to suit your layout requirements

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sis.html?_kw=20pcs+Model+Single+Head+Street+Lights+Lamppost+w%2F+Billboard+Scale+1%2F75+10.5cm&rt=nc&_dmd=2&_id=400265157349&_vc=1

 

 

Another good source is Key Lites http://www.oovo.com/

 

 

 

Some examples of the finished product.

 

 

 

 

One thing to be aware of when using this type of light is that it does generate heat and should NOT be left on for long periods unattended.

 

 

 

The wiring at the termination end of the lamp can be Pluggerable terminal connectors to give you flexibility and a tidy wring loom.

 

 

 

If you still feel that you need more information I recommend a site that will help explain the basics called the Electronics Club

 

http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/index.htm

 

Even for experienced people this is a good site to revise those days of Physcis classes and well worth a look.

 

 

 

I hope this has been of some help to someone and as I always say if you need help someone on this forum will have the answer:banana:

 

Some Examples of what can be achieved simply and in expensive.

 

 

[kevrail]

Some examples of the use of the LED type strip for interior of buildings and the use of different colours

 

[Kirley]

Very illuminating Kevin, thanks for sharing. Where did you source the Pluggable terminal connectors?

[Sulzer201]

Thanks for posting kevrail those buildings look great and the lighting adds greatly to the realism.

[kevrail]

Very illuminating Kevin, thanks for sharing. Where did you source the Pluggable terminal connectors?

 

 

KeyLites

http://www.kyteslights.com/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=230

 

Thanks Kirley

[Kinvara-Train]

Very illuminating Kevin, thanks for sharing. Where did you source the Pluggable terminal connectors?

 

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