Lighting my layout

[Beccles]

I would like to use tiny bulbs to light my layout giving it a night scene when the room/ lights are off. would I need a separate source if so how many?

[TWICK9]

Hi . yes you would need a separate supply. I originally used bulbs but one of the disadvantage's is the heat the bulbs give off, which can melt plastic or even set fire to card buildings if the bulbs are to close when left on for any length of time, so I have changed mine to super bright LEDs which stay cool and use less power. On my layout I use over 150 lights used in conjunction with resisters powered by two 16v ac transformers.

[railwaybuddy]

Originally Posted by TWICK9

Hi . yes you would need a separate supply. I originally used bulbs but one of the disadvantage's is the heat the bulbs give off, which can melt plastic or even set fire to card buildings if the bulbs are to close when left on for any length of time, so I have changed mine to super bright LEDs which stay cool and use less power. On my layout I use over 150 lights used in conjunction with resisters powered by two 16v ac transformers.

what lights were you using may i ask?

because if you use leds they will not do that only when in enclosed/silled places

[railwaybuddy]

Originally Posted by Beccles

I would like to use tiny bulbs to light my layout giving it a night scene when the room/ lights are off. would I need a separate source if so how many?

if you use LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) you will need a separate resistor each LED to keep the from popping.

if they come part of a kit then do as the kits says 3/4 LEDs per resistor otherwise use one per LED

[TWICK9]

Originally Posted by railwaybuddy

what lights were you using may i ask?

because if you use leds they will not do that only when in enclosed/silled places

Hi railwaybuddy.
Welcome to the forum. I was using Christmas tree lights wired in series, and I still have a few buildings that are lit way, but most are now illuminated by LEDs some in series but most parallel.

[railwaybuddy]

Originally Posted by TWICK9

Hi railwaybuddy.
Welcome to the forum. I was using Christmas tree lights wired in series, and I still have a few buildings that are lit way, but most are now illuminated by LEDs some in series but most parallel.

what the hell was you thinking when you was doing that?

and where they 240volt lights or low voltage(transformer) lights


top tip : with leds use 1 led on one resistor then they will be much brighter

[TWICK9]

Originally Posted by railwaybuddy

what the hell was you thinking when you was doing that? and where they 240volt lights or low voltage(transformer) lights

Hi. No I used them individually, five or six bulbs wired in series on 16 volts. Also I sometimes use three or four super bright LEDs wired in series with one resister where I need dimmer lamps which brings them down to the brightness of the street lamps in this photo, the building is lit by christmas tree bulbs.

[copie1]

im just starting to build a layout from many years out i have all ready build a few buildings and put leds in them and going to power them of a muti voltage transformer set at 3v so no need for resiters, as the ones i have got will run ok at 3volts

[railwaybuddy]

Originally Posted by copie1

im just starting to build a layout from many years out i have all ready build a few buildings and put leds in them and going to power them of a muti voltage transformer set at 3v so no need for resiters, as the ones i have got will run ok at 3volts

do watch them because many places e.g. maplin dont tell you that they have already got resistors fitted inside the led

[copie1]

yeah i know they some do have , but the ones i got work fine at 3volts tryed and tested them as well as just taking there word for it.