Ligthing question

[CascadeBob]

I have just completed installing the lighting for my new N scale layout.  I used the method described by David Barrow in his article in MR Planning 2005, p.78-79.  I chose to follow his recommendation to use GE Chroma 50 (AKA: Sunshine fluorescent bulbs) in the fixtures to simulate a sunny day.  During the course of researching which fluorescent bulb to use, I tested a number fluorescent tubes of varying color temperature and color rendering index (CRI).  Based on this experience, I'd suggest that you try the cool white fluorescent bulbs, the type used in shop lights.  These are readily available and are inexpensive.  These give a greenish-blue color to the scene.  Do a mock-up of your lighting with various fluorescent tube with different color temps. and CRI's until you find one that gives you the appearance that you're trying to get.

GE has an interesting web site: www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/education_resources/learn_about_light  This website has a considerable amount of information about color quality of light, color temperature, CRI, etc.  It even has one place where you can view the same items/scene under various light sources.  This can be found by clicking on "Selecting the Best Color Lamp" in the column on the left side of the opening page.  This will take you to the "Color Both" where you can select different light sources to view the same objects.

Hope this helps,

Bob

[spidge]

I believe you can purchase flourescent bulbs at differing brightness. It won't be the whole answer but better to have a grey or off white light rather than a daylight type bulb to start with.

[ENIGEERBOB]

I read with interest the sidebar in Model RR Planning '07 on fluorescent lighting.  But it seems that about 98% of featured layouts take place in mid-summer.  I am currently working on the benchwork for a layout that will be placed in late November 1954 in Oregon.  Anyone who has been to Oregon in mid-fall knows that the most common weather is gray, cold and rainy--the exact condition I want to replicate on my layout.

Does anyone know what kind of lights would produce the lighting that would best reflect a sunless, darkish day?

 

Thanks, I guess it would be ok if I had light bulbs on this green papar for years

[nbrodar]

Rand Hood's Jan/Feb 1996 articles on modeling winter included lighting tips.  He used cool white fluorescents, with Roscolux photographic color gels fitted inside the diffusers.  For daylight, #53 Pale Lavender with a 64% transparency.  For night, #378 Alice Blue with a 15% transparency.

Although, due to the profileration of digital photography, I haven't seen gels in a consumer camera store in a while.  You're best bet would be a professional grade store or on-line.

In addition, Rand added some dimmable incandencent cans to simulate sunny highlights.

Nick

[claymore1977]

I would initially say no, but it really depends on how hot that light is running.

[ENIGEERBOB]

I hope you all do not mind me 'getting on board' this topic, but I [well dad] put a light in my train station & I have cardbord [to lift the station to the track] & I want to know if the cardbord will catch fire or not?

 Thanks

[HarryHotspur]

I think Claymore has a good idea re: using diffuser(s).  Overcast days yield no shadows, so that would seem to be an important part of the effect.

I don't suppose you're planning to simulate actual rainfall?  That's something I always wanted to try, but it seems wildly impractical for a ton of reasons.

[WillPac66]

IIRC, there was an artical in an older issue of MR about wet / rainy / stormy layouts, you might be able to find it online.

I think you might be talking about the superb article by Rand Hood back in like '93.  The main topic was painting a rainy backdrop, touched on wet scenic techniques, but did not really talk about lighting.  Since I am at the beginning stages of construction, I wanted to get the lighting right up front.  (BTW, I have the issue with that Rand Hood article...definitely worth keeping for anyone interested in something other than sunny days).

Thanks, guys, for your suggestions. 

[Greg H.]

Try using lots of greys and dark washes when weathering the layout, including on the back drop ( add some dark blue washes to simulate low cloud cover ), and then use low level indirect lighting more from the side, rather than direct overhead lighting.

Make street lamps, and run the bulbs way under power, so they give of mild orange glow, like low pressure sodium lamps, when simulating wet surfaces use a gloss finish on those surfaces that shine when wet.

IIRC, there was an artical in an older issue of MR about wet / rainy / stormy layouts, you might be able to find it online.

[claymore1977]

Well since flourescent lighting is relatively low heat, you can experiment with various colored film like paper.  Also, diffusing the light might get you the effect you want.

[WillPac66]

I read with interest the sidebar in Model RR Planning '07 on fluorescent lighting.  But it seems that about 98% of featured layouts take place in mid-summer.  I am currently working on the benchwork for a layout that will be placed in late November 1954 in Oregon.  Anyone who has been to Oregon in mid-fall knows that the most common weather is gray, cold and rainy--the exact condition I want to replicate on my layout.

Does anyone know what kind of lights would produce the lighting that would best reflect a sunless, darkish day?