The newest issue of GR and the article online regarding building easy streetlights for your layouts look great - except for one thing. What kind of electrical wiring do you connect them to?
I know NOTHING about electricity except that it hurts when you touch it. I light up my buildings using the Malibu system which runs on 12V (I believe). Can I use either of these streetlights idea with that system? If not, can they be converted?
Please remember to use small words and simple language when you respond as I really have no idea what I am doing. I plug in the bulb, put it in a building and when it gets dark out, they light up. It's magic!
Thank you!
Yes, I believe the Malibu light system runs on 12v.
Is anyone else using Malibu?
I give up......I guess I will be replacing bulbs....heck if I know which resistor or due-dad else I need........
I just had the chance to read the article last night. In the article they use GOW (Grain Of Wheat, referring to its size, bulbs). These are just small incandescent bulbs and don't care if they get DC or AC power just use the rated voltage or less. If you use more than the rated voltage (say 18v for a 12v bulb) that will just make the bulb last a bit less. Aristocraft provides some 12v nice ones and they are usually available (currently on back order) at Ridge Road Station at 5 for $1.33 (http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=2550001!255).
You can use a landscape light transformer, a small plug in type transformer or the accessory terminals on most power packs to provide power.
-Brian
I consider myself an electrical guru, but when it comes to lighting my layout I used the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid).
I use the Malibu system and I do not install the top caps as they are too wide for half my houses.
The posts and base also are great for not allowing my houses to be moved in the wind.
I do not mind the voltage loss over a distance as the bulbs will give off a yellow glow when the voltage is less than it should be.
I can do LEDs, but it is not worth the time and aggravation when you can get a 10 light set from lowes or the depot for $10 at the end of season.
I don't know much about this, but if you are looking for Light posts, you might try Christmas villages. They could be the right size. Just a thought.
M
piercedan1 wrote: I consider myself an electrical guru, but when it comes to lighting my layout I used the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid).I use the Malibu system and I do not install the top caps as they are too wide for half my houses.The posts and base also are great for not allowing my houses to be moved in the wind.I do not mind the voltage loss over a distance as the bulbs will give off a yellow glow when the voltage is less than it should be.I can do LEDs, but it is not worth the time and aggravation when you can get a 10 light set from lowes or the depot for $10 at the end of season.
Dan,
I, too, use the cheap 4 watt Malibu landscape lights for lighting up my buildings but the original question was referring to the GR article on making street lights. Landscape lights would be greatly out of scale for this purpose.
A good source of the bulbs for streetlights is All Electronics in Van Nuys, California. They have 14 volt 3mm incandescent bulbs with 10 inch wire leads, catalog number LP-6, priced at 2 for $1.50 or 100 for 54 cents each.
http://www.allelectronics.com
A 12 Volt Malibu transformer is perfect for these bulbs.
As many have mentioned, Malibu lights run on 12 volts. So you can hook up any 12 volt bulb to your existing system and there should be no problems. No resistor needed. Most hobby shops carry mini bulbs, and 12 volt versions should be easy to find. If not, higher voltage lights will also work (16-18 volts), they'll just be dimmer because your power source will only provide 12 volts.
I have many, many Malibu lights throughout the layout (probably close to 40). I like to alter between 11, 7 and 4 watt bulbs. Small buildings and residences use 4 watt. Larger buildings use 7, and important and very large structures use 11.
I also used to have a USA roadside shanty hooked up to this power supply. While it worked, the lights were a bit dim (16-18 volt bulbs) instead of the 12 volt Malibu power. The smoke unit worked too, but I put in a switch to turn it off. I ended up placing a Malibu 7 watt bulb inside for lighting.
The biggest issue with Malibu lighting is the transformer. Most that come with the standard 6 light set are not able to handle many bulbs. While they all typically run on 12 volts, it's the watts that gets you. The typical transformer is only good for 60-80 watts. When you start adding more than 8 bulbs remember to add up the bulb wattage to see if your power supply is up to it.
Because we have so many bulbs, I purchased a 600 watt Malibu transformer with a built in timer. With a 600 watts transformer I have room to grow, and so far there hasn't been any light dimming at distances.
Another important thing is to use Malibu wire! When I started laying wire, I went cheap and used extra underground telephone wire that was sitting around. It worked fine, but the light loss at about 100 feet from the transformer was terrible. I've since changed to all Malibu wire and everything has been working great since.
Another tip I can add is to use alligator clips on your bulb wires. We take everything (except track) in over the winter. With alligator clips, removing the lights and buildings is so simple. And re-installing is super easy too.
I wanted to post some photos of the lighting, but all I could find is this...looks like I'll have to take some more night shots.
Matt from Anaheim, CA and Bayfield, COClick Here for my model train photo website
Matt, thank you for the info on your set up. We also have a larger transformer with the built in timer which does help quite a lot. I have to look into the alligator clips because the ones that come with the Malibu system really do a number on your fingers.
And to whomever gave me the link on possible bulbs (I hate how I can't go back and look at the whole thread when replying) thank you. I will check that out. I appreciate all the help from everyone. I like the ease of using the Malibu lights but the bulbs and sockets are two big to use in streetlights and other "outdoor" lighting.
Jennifer
Glad to help. Sorry about the photo link, wasn't working because I changed the file name recently. Should be working now.
I use Radio Shack alligator clips. Here's a link:
Alligator Clips
I use layout sized wire (probably 18 gauge) from my light housings and the ends are soldered to the alligator clips. My Malibu wire is buried under ground and comes up under each structure. The Malibu wire ends under the structure sites are bare and I simply connect the alligator clips to the bare ends. Over the winter I place rocks over the bare Malibu wires. Haven't had any corrosion issues after 6 years. The rocks are more to deter animals from chewing the wire. To avoid shorts were the two alligator clips might touch, I wrap one clip in electrical tape.
Avoid the larger alligator clips. They are bulky and like to break solder joints. The little ones work perfectly.
Would pig tail connectors work with anti-corrosion paste? I like your idea SC, and it brought up pig tails to my mind also.
Jen, not sure if you want a fixture or not but local shop had some nice MTH street lights in O scale. Now I would not put a g gauge figure next to it but there metal and work, could even make them taller I would think!
http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=30-11032
http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=30-11033
http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=30-11001
Link to more: http://204.156.4.220/external/ProductSearch2.asp
Remember there O Scale but might work for you!?
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