Woodland Scenics

[willy6]

I would like to know about the opinions,likes and dislikes of the new WS lighting system, if this was posted before and i missed it, ignore this post.

[hon30critter]

Hi willy6:

I have done a ton of work with LEDs so for me personally the WS lighting system is a non-starter.

My biggest criticism is that the lighting options are very limited. WS would surely benefit from adding things like street lights and selective window lighting with variable controls so the lights in a specific building could be made to turn on and off randomly.

Having said that, I also think that it is a quick and easy system to install and I believe that it will resonate with a whole lot of modellers for those reasons. One of the things that always disappoints me with the layouts at the train shows is the totally 'dead' store fronts and unlighted buildings.

Unfortunately the cost is not cheap which may limit some modellers from using its full potential. However, that cost may inspire those same modellers, once they have experienced the ease of installation of the WS lighting, to explore doing more lighting from scratch.

Overall, I think it is a definate plus for the hobby.

Dave

[RR_Mel]

hon30critter

 

My biggest criticism is that the lighting options are very limited. WS would surely benefit from adding things like street lights and selective window lighting with variable controls so the lights in a specific building could be made to turn on and off randomly.

Having said that, I also think that it is a quick and easy system to install and I believe that it will resonate with a whole lot of modellers for those reasons. One of the things that always disappoints me with the layouts at the train shows is the totally 'dead' store fronts and unlighted buildings.

Unfortunately the cost is not cheap which may limit some modellers from using its full potential. However, that cost may inspire those same modellers, once they have experienced the ease of installation of the WS lighting, to explore doing more lighting from scratch.

Overall, I think it is a definate plus for the hobby.

Dave

 

 

willy6:

 

I agree with Dave.  A dead building does nothing for a layout.  All of my buildings and structures have some sort of lighting with one exception, my Mabry Mill.  As my layout was started over 30 years ago I went with Grain of Wheat lighting and for continually new or modified features also use GOWs.  I do use LEDs where the obvious difference can’t be detected.  If I was starting out now I would go with LEDs, my GOW current draw is up to 8 anps at 9.5 volts using 12 volt bulbs after 30 plus years.  If you don’t push the brightness the lighting looks much more realistic and the bulbs last much longer too. Over the 30 years I’ve only replaced a couple of bulbs out of hundreds in operation, including flashing bulbs.

 

I don’t think you can go wrong with a WS as a starter but as Dave mentioned the animated look of activity really works regardless of the type of lighting.  I use programmable timer modules for random on and off, even with headlights on parked vehicles.  Only a few lights need to go on and off to get the effect.  I use 6 timers, each timer has 4 programmable outputs that really make my layout jump.

 

Mel

[BroadwayLion]

This is something that is only useful for a person who is deathly afraid of soldering irons and will not make any effort whasoever to learn this most essential of model railroading skills.

If you can tell a white wire from a black wire, you can wire your own LEDs. Inside of the LED there is a small flag (+) and the large flag (-). The long wire is - the shorter wire is + but the wires may be clipped.

You need a resistor 1/4 W; 1000 ohm which can be attached to either lead.

Globs of silicone caulk will hold them anywhere.

Nice fine wires can be found in the tail of your dead mouse.

See. Simple.  LIONS like to keep things simple.

 

ROAR

[Santa Fe all the way!]

Lion, 1/4W, 1000 ohm resister to run a LED on 12v?

[willy6]

I appreciate the replies and i think i'll try it out. It's pricey, so a little at time.

[hon30critter]

willy6:

Go for it, and let us know what you think.

I guarantee that the WS system will get you hooked on lighting effects! When that happens, and if you don't want to spend a whole lot more money on the WS lighting system, we would be happy to guide you through the basics of how to use individual LEDs and LED strips to make your layout come alive.

Dave