LIGHTING FOR MY LAYOUT

[Anonymous]

[:D] I HAVE TURNED MY GARAGE INTO A TRAINROOM, WHAT IS THE BEST LIGHTING FOR MY "N" SCALE LAYOUT?

[Jetrock]

No need to shout, TrainsRMe--we can hear you just fine! (In other words, please turn CAPS LOCK off when you post!)

A commonly-recommended solution is modular fluorescent lighting--at many home improvement stores (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.) you can get fluorescent fixtures that can be plugged together in series, simplifying lighting wiring--up to a dozen or so can be plugged into one outlet and controlled with one switch. You can also get different types of bulbs for these fixtures to better simulate sunlight.

A lot depends on how big your layout room is and how it is set up--if the layout runs around the edge of the room, a shelf valence above the layout provides an ideal place to hang these fluorescents.

Some folks want lighting that is a bit more intense and install spot incandescent fixtures or compact halogens, but these generate more heat and use a lot of power. If you're not modeling a scene in high summer these may not be necessary.

A low-cost but not particularly bright option are rope lights--strips of little holiday-type bulbs that can be secured to clips above the layout. They don't throw much light, though, and so need to be mounted relatively low to provide enough illumination. They are cheap, though--$10 for an 18-foot stretch (although look out for holiday sales on these--I got a few for $5 each at a K-mart holiday display) means you can provide some basic lighting quickly and easily. You can also get red rope lights which provide a nice sunset-like illumination if you enjoy the idea of providing soft twilight lighting for evening operation sessions.

[cwclark]

flourecent lighting is ok..if you can afford it, i'd also but in some track lighting to illiminate shadowy areas..also I like a set of blue and orange bulbs in the room to give sunset / sunrise/ night time lighting effects...another thing some guys do is put white christmas tree bulbs against the backside of the fascia to also help in illuminating the layout Chuck