Chrstmas tree lights, readily available this time of year, just plug into the wall.
Assuming you are talking about incandescent lamps, all you need is AC power. A bare transformer from Radio Shack or All Electronics can be had with 12 volt output and 12 volt hobby sized bulbs are easy to find. If you go the transformer route, do build an enclosure to keep fingers, especially visitor's fingers, from inadvertently touching the hot AC power line connections.
Dead PC power supplies have a nice enclosure that can be recycled.
Or, live PC power supplies will furnish several amps of 5 volt power, just right for 6 volt lamps.
Or rob the power supply out of surplus electronic equipment. Digital logic ran on 5 volts from the 1960's to the 1990's, so any old piece of gear most likely has a 5 volt supply in it somewhere.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
An old (or new) computer power supply makes for a great DC power source to run your layout's accessories. 3, 5, and 12 volt taps with a good supply of 1/2 watt 10-50 ohm resisters should handle all of your needs. Google "computer power supply conversion". No more than a 2 hour project and $5 worth of parts.
Your old DC power pack when you convert to DCC?
Any more details, like what sort of lamps, how many milliamps (ma) each one draws? What voltage ar they rated for? You'll want to use something under the rated voltage both to keep them from shining through the walls of your structures and to make them last longer - half to 3/4 of the rated voltage is PLENTY.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I plan to use 50 or so lights on my h.o. layout but I have no idea on what kind of power source to use to power it? Help please.