Flashlight or Other Light Source for Working Under a Train Layout ?

[AirMojo]

Ok so I've spent a lot of time under my o-gauge train layout tracing wires and trying to resolve some problems with my train layout that has sat idel for way too long.

I have a nice head lamp that uses rechargeable 18650 batteries like several of my hand held flashlights... I love these bright flashlights and being able to recharge the batteries.

I tried the head lamp, but it just wasn't pointing direcly to where I wanted to see... so I used my cheap free Harbor Freight flashlight (uses AAA batteries), held in my mouth... worked much better since the light could be directed right where I wanted it (probably because I play blues harmonica and use my tongue alot... :)...

I'm thinking about adding some sort of rubber mouth piece on the cheap flashlight to bite my teeth into, instead of biting into metal.

What do you train guys use ?

Ken H in OH

[cwburfle]

I received a Milwaukee work light as a gift. It can be plugged in, or run on batteries. Expensive though, I had no idea what they cost. Maybe if you shopped around.....

http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/milwaukee-2360-20-m18-18v-cordless-lithium-ion-trueview-led-hp-flood-light--bare-tool-/miln2360-20,default,pd.html

[Phoebe Vet]

Go back to Harbor Freight and get this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/27-led-portable-worklightflashlight-69567.html 

They sometimes give it away free with any purchase.  Put it on the floor beside you and it will light the area.

You can also use a drop light.

[AirMojo]

Hey guys... thanks for the ideas !

I actually have one of those HF lights... I forgot I had it... it does have a hanging hook, but I'm looking for something that is more handsfree.

I forgot that I also have a Makita BLM185 light that came with my set of Makita cordless that uses a rechargeable 18v lithium ion battery... the light head can be moved up and down, and with the battery on the bottom, it can be sit on the floor and be directed where I need it... I have rarely used this light, but now I will.

Here it is on Amazon...

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-BML185-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Flashlight/dp/B000EEX7SO

I may look into getting this one (Christmas is coming!)... it is alot brighter, better swiviling head, and has a hang hook... good that I already have 4 of the LI batteries... love my Makita cordless tools !

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-DML801-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Flashlight/dp/B00QV8FNMU

Ken H in OH

 

[LittleTommy]

Some 10 years ago I bought a long string of white "rope lights" that were being "clearanced" after Xmas, and strung them under the layout. Now , when I need to work under the layout I plug them it and it illuminates the area so brightly that I have not needed any additional light 

LittleTommy

 

[fifedog]

I use the 6-fixture strands of clear C7 lights to illuminate the various buildings above the benchwork.  Invariably, one fixture always seems to be in a local that can't be used above, so that becomes my "candle in the coal mine".  Be surprised how much lumens is put out by one or two of these subterranian.

[tkdteacher]

You could consider a running lamp, such as Petzl or similar. Comes on a headband, so it basically directs light where you are looking. Low profile, available in a variety of lumens, battery/rechargable, etc.

John

[AirMojo]

tkdteacher

You could consider a running lamp, such as Petzl or similar. Comes on a headband, so it basically directs light where you are looking. Low profile, available in a variety of lumens, battery/rechargable, etc.

I tried the headlamp that I have, but it doesn't tilt up or down... I think I will look for one that does... that would work alot better !

I did try the Makita light that I have, and it worked pretty well... but one on my head would probably be better.

Think I will also look for some clear/white Christmas lights after the holiday!

Thanks guys !

Ken H in OH

[phillyreading]

I like Little Tommy's idea of using a set of lights under neath the layout best of all I have read. I have used an automotive drop light(has a 25 foot cord) in the past for my other layouts.

Lee Fritz

[overall]

I use clamp-on lights. The have a regular light bulb with a large stainless steel bell shaped reflector. It has a large spring loaded clamp which can clamp on to any convienent place on the bench work. They come with a regular lamp cord to plug in with. They are available at places like Lowes or Home Depot and are fairly in expensive. They will light up the whole world under your bench work if you use a 60 or 100 watt incandecent bulb or LED equilivalent.

[mersenne6]

I have part of the backhead of a scrapped 0-6-0 complete with butterfly doors which sits on the basement floor facing the layout.  When I need illumination I just light up a pile of coal and lock the butterfly doors open. The fire bathes everything in a soft orange light and gives off enough heat to keep me warm as well...

[AirMojo]

overall

I use clamp-on lights. The have a regular light bulb with a large stainless steel bell shaped reflector. It has a large spring loaded clamp which can clamp on to any convienent place on the bench work. They come with a regular lamp cord to plug in with. They are available at places like Lowes or Home Depot and are fairly in expensive. They will light up the whole world under your bench work if you use a 60 or 100 watt incandecent bulb or LED equilivalent.

 

 

I do have one of those... need to get a better LED bulb for it... gotta try that too !

[AirMojo]

mersenne6

I have part of the backhead of a scrapped 0-6-0 complete with butterfly doors which sits on the basement floor facing the layout.  When I need illumination I just light up a pile of coal and lock the butterfly doors open. The fire bathes everything in a soft orange light and gives off enough heat to keep me warm as well...

 

 

Wow! I would like to see a photo or short video of that !