Wiring Dept 56

[newt]

What's the best way to wire Dept 56 on an 0 Gauge layout? Is it safe to cut and splice the wires, so you don't have to cut such big holes in the layout? Has anyone used 16-18 volt lighting using a transformer instead?

[Joe Hohmann]

I assume you're asking "where do I plug-in all this stuff". Use the longest "outlet strips" you can find at Home Depot, etc. Try to get the kind that has the receptacles arranged/oriented so the plugs can go in while taking up the least ammt. of space on the strip. Joe

[d van]

I used the aftermarket light sets that have 5-6 lights with one plug. I drill a hole in the layout thats just big enough for a empty light socket pass through. I then run the plugs to decent power strips and those run to a heavy duty power strip. When not in use I unplug the master power strip and that way there is no chance of a problem and I have one plug.

[cnw1995]

Also, it looks a tad more realistic - if you care about that sort of thing with Dept 56 buildings - to occasionally un-light the odd building or two.

[newt]

Thanks for the response. The light socket and retaining flange on the Dept 56 lights needs a one and a half inch hole. Is this the size of hole you cut ? How did you cover the wire to the pieces that require
insertion in the buildings' back?

[spankybird]

I use Dept 56 houses on my Christmas layout.

On this layout I cut the cords and spliced them together under the layout

This way, I only have a small hole in the top board.

 

I have also used 6 volt lights, runninng off a small transformer for light on my large layout

tom

[newt]

Thanks for the reply and great pictures. What type of bulbs and sockets did you use for the 6 volt? Did you use some sort of retaining
clips to hold them in the buildings that have only wall access? Your
pictures seem to have them loose in the building. Does this cause any light leakage? In the past, I have used Plastiville with Radio Shack sockets and 16-18 volt bulbs, which I'd like to use again, but
haven't figured out how to attach them to the traditional Dept 56 light slots. Thanks again for your suggestions.
Fred

[Brutus]

Maybe try attaching with just some electrical tape on the wire?

[spankybird]

The six volt lights are from a short string of Christmas lights.Find the strings that only have 20 or 25 lights  on them. I again have cut and spliced them together. Yes they are loose in the houses. I don't notice any light leakage from the back of them.

This church is also Dept 56 and I use two lights in it. They mount thru the bottom.

[fifedog]

I too use the aftermarket 6 string lights sets. I have an occasional area that the "spare bulb" isn't needed, so I let it dangle below the benchwork, which surprisingly provides the light I need when I crawl under the layout.  I'm sure you do this, but take out the bulbs before you try popping them through your platform and scenery.  I find a few trees and shrubs placed strategically about the rear of a building will conceal the wire henging out.

[wrmcclellan]

I also use 5 - 6 lights in series from a bad string of Christmas tree lights.

Dept 56 introduced a neat gadget this year although its list price is a bit high. It is a 3 volt distribution strip with 12 connections. It comes with (9) nine 3 volt bulbs (with cord) and 3 jumpers to power any of their compatible 3 volt accessories/houses. I just used one of these on a friends layout and it is pretty nice.

http://www.christmas-treasures.com/department56/GeneralVillageAcces/Images/53500.jpg