Adding lights to Model Railways
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- After being asked a few times about wiring and transformers used in putting lights on a layout , I have tried to explain in this video how I have done it , including the use of LED`s
also shown on modelrailwaylay...
Thanks for the video Dave. One of the most important things I learned from this was that if you drive the LED with a 3 volt regulated supply there is no need for resistors. Thanks!
Only one word to describe this...... SUPERB, brilliant detail and the thames trader brings back memories
+harry young Glad you enjoyed the video , been a god few changes since this was made ...thanks for commenting ..Cheers dave
HI Dave, the information you gave about the regulated transformers was superb. Your explanation was easy to follow and the video showing how you put them to use is excellent. What an inspiration you have proven to be. Thanks for that.
Being antique I started with lighting when we used torch bulbs but as the models were wood there was little trouble. I had a fully lit live overhead tramway but put it all aside 7 years ago. I'm amazed how much everything has moved on.....your video has helped no end to understand the changes. Thanks.
Glad that my video has been of some help and as you say so much has changed over the years, and since making this video ..its all LED"s now , I have only been in the hobby 10 years and all lighting was using Grain of wheat and rice bulbs ..they got very hot ..and you could only use about 7 to a 12 v supply , but now with the LED,s you can add about 50 to one 12 v supply and they stay cool ..changes for the better ..makes a change ..cheers dave
Yes if you use Insulfrog they do cause problems with small Loco`s (for shorting out) but also the express being longer stop a lot of derailing
Just about to do a bit of lighting for the first time on a metcalfe country station I've built and I feel alot more confident after watching that. Many thanks for a good down to earth demonstration Dave.
Hi Martin, glad you found the video informative , it is relatively easy , those regulated transformers are still on Amazon ...cheers dave
That's. What it's all about, helping fellow enthusiast...Cheers dave😄
All very interesting Dave. But for me the last 4 or 5 minutes were the best when you showed the full extent of your layout. I had to stop the film to take it all in.Amazing. Well done Dave. All the best....Tim.
Hi David, this is a great tutorial. I've not run any locos for about 40 years and they have changed a bit. They were just starting to do coded controllers and life took over. I am now disabled and am looking for a hobby. Any way, thank you for your hard work with all your tutorials, regards, Duncan.
Duncan Watson Thank you Duncan , glad this may be of some help to you , its a great hobby and if you are starting again a lot to learn these days , I started again when I retired , the last time I had a model railway I was 10 years old , so things have changed a lot since then so I had a lot to learn , but have enjoyed doing it all with mistakes and all ...Cheers Dave
Thanks for the video Dave. Most enjoyable and instructive. I am building a model town square and am now a lot happier about the lighting.
+bbcisrubbish Glad you found this useful ...the LED`s are the best now to use , think on reflection you are better sticking at 12v and adding the resistors , I have had a couple blow on 3v but think maybe due to not been on a regulated transformer ....Dave
+David Howarth Thanks for the reply Dave. I assume the lights wired are in series. You mentioned some street lights that you buy for £8 for 6. What make are they?
+bbcisrubbish I wire the lights from a connector , all if on 12 v so no need to wire in series ..I get a lot from layouts4u check out there web site some good ones at fair prices ..Dave
Funny enough Dave, I was thinking about how you've done such a wonderful job with lighting your layout, and this video helps me to understand a little more about the process, although it will still be a while until I give it a go......I;m sure like many things..you try it, learn by your mistakes, then you become comfortable with the process....Thanks as always Dave...you're a real Gem....Bob
David, beautiful layout. I love your use of the lighting. I can't believe someone would suggest they aren't bright enough, they look great even in the daylight!
Not American adaptors but I do the same with American ones. Glad you show people how to do this. Love the layout.
Thanks ..and it all helps ..American or Uk ...there is usually a way of doing this ..cheers dave
Absolutely brilliant. Great layout. You have given me real incentive to get cracking on some lighting features on my small 6 x 2 end to end layout and a small diorama I am working on.
Very kind of you Bob, as you say I learn by my mistakes , sometimes costs me more than I care to think , but as you can see it is easy to add lighting with the right materials , give it a go , adds a new dimension to the layout ..Cheers Dave
Hi Dave ...Thanks for all the help with my layout ..Your films and skill is Brill..I have learnt so much Cheers Geoff.
Thanks for commenting Geoff , nice to hear it has been of some help
This is a great video Dave, thanks for putting it on. My daughter recently bought me a Hornby train set, so it's my reason to build a proper one with all the extras. Just finished building a base on legs so a long way to go. Definitely going to have lights on.
+DAJUST12 Its a great Hobby , you will enjoy building up your layout , I do have a few videos on showing how to build scenery ...sDaves Model Railway changes 1 to 10 ..maybe the odd tips on there ..Dave
Good video Dave Very informative and I am sure its a lot of work, but with you it's a labor of love, I am afraid I wouldn't have enough patience to do this
Glad it has been of some use to you , , i used the bright ones , but if too bright you can just put a bit of felt tip on to shade them a bit , but some I have put the red ones in to make them look warmer ..Dave
Hi David
Yes that's what I thought, I'll send it back
I see you're a man after my own heart as a koi keeper as well as a Railway fan !
Regards
John
Hi Dave. Finally shipped the Grandaughter off home & got to watch the video. Very informative, this has explained exactly what i needed to know & will help me alot once i start installing lighting. Another Great Video.
Many thanks for sharing the info.
Ian.
After watching your video everything makes sense to me now!! Thank you I'm going led shopping now feeling much better Dave!
Thanks Ryan , if you stick to the Regulated transformer you should have no problems , those LED`s are getting better all the time
Thanks Dave i bought some 3v Street lights the first ones shown in the video, thanks now I can get to work...first class video
Glad you found this useful ...cheers dave
Very Nice layout you have built. Thank you for explaining the lights. Helping me in planning my own layout here.
That was 17 mins well spent. Thank you.
+Adam Bangay Glad you found it useful ....Thanks for commenting ..Cheers Dave
Great set David, am building a "french SNCF" themed one and an now confident fitting street lights, have 17 to do ! Enjoy your railway
Great Video. Very well explained. Thanks for the Yoga nod. I am using regulated variable DC voltage supplies from Radio Shack here in the US, I have several for various circuits on the layout. Signals like 4.5VDC and the lighting seems to like 7.5 VDC so they work out great. They look about like the ones you are using, but with a different connector naturally. Thanks for all the great videos.
WELL DONE DAVID, DON'T WORRY, YOU MORE THAN EASILY EXPLAINED IT. I'VE NOW GOT A COUPLE OF MULTI VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS. IT COULD'NT BE ANY EASIER, SAVES A LOT OF EXTRA WIRING ETC! THANKS AGAIN FOR THE TIP.
RUSS glad you found usefull
I'm starting a HO layout in my spare room and I've considered a myriad of lighting options, some expensive ones, cheaper ones, even Christmas lights for building interiors but after watching your video I'm going 3v LED for most everything.
Hi Dave, just watched this vid & very good indeed. Considering you are not particularly electronically minded you did really well! If I may please say though....you did forget one very important thing re LED lighting & that is regardless of voltage...an LED has to be connected the correct way around! i.e. positive & negative have to be correct whereas with normal incandescent bulbs this doesn't matter. Best regards, John.
Hi James thanks for the compliment , my layout is approx 3 ft high and the boards are again approx 3ft wide , I use 2x4 sheets and cut one in half , it does vary a little in parts though . but 3ft is about right so you can reach to the far side . ..Cheers dave
hi MrJak, thanks I bought some also on e bay from Powerlead , coloureds at £1.30 for strip of 6 , the red ones are good for interior in the houses , gives a nice glow , will check this one out ..thanks Dave
Another good video Dave. Well explained and easy to follow.
Great layout and great details, Paul
Glad it was of some help to you Paul ...Cheers dave
Thank you for this video Dave, as someone who is preparing to start my own layout soon I found it very clear and informative. I definitely would like lights on mine and this was very helpful as well as always being inspirational. Keep up the great videos, thanks Kelvin.
Hi Dave, when my layout went into night time mode, I switch on a 60w blue bulb on, which gave it night time affect, day time light was 100w bulb on a dimmer switch. With layout lights it look pretty good, the street lights I run 4 together then not so bright, this made the bulbs to last and not burn or blow. Roy
Sounds a good idea Roy
That was a great video - thank you for explaining about using transformers. I have been using the 12v DC output from my controller but never considered you could use any regulated transformer to save you having to run masses of cable all over the place.
Hi Geoff , the controllers can be found at Amazon , just put in search alternating voltage regulated 12 v. transformers , then the lights I get from a few places, layouts4u, express models, kytes lights , they all export, and you just google there names the sites should appear , carnt put full address on here it does not allow , but if problem just sent P. Message to me I started 5 years ago when i retitired and as you see I have enjoyed doing it. Cheers dave
Thanks for the comment , the light is a flickering led fire bulb form express models loughborough , then just a bit of black paint on the base and add a few sticks for the logs
Excellent Dave, im yet to fit LEDS to my layout, but after watching your video i am very confident to get some for my depot area. Thanks for uploading :)
Hi Kev , nice write up in Model Rail for your layout , the 2nd Police car I stuck a flashing 12 volt led through a hole I drilled and the light cost just £1 so not expensive to do your own ...Cheers dave
Glad it was of some help to you , as I have said best way is with LED`s and a regulated 3 volt supply for the 3 volt ones , then a 12 volt one for your 12 volt lights
Dave, a superb informative video, you must have the patience of a saint to have created such a wonderful layout, thanks for sharing, cheers...Bill
Thanks David,, you explained in a way i could understand, especially about LED 3 volt, so keep up the good work and i look forward to you videos (if that's what we call these days) in the future, all the best, Gary
Hi Gary ...glad this has helped you , one thing I would recommend now is do them all at 12 v it does save getting a mixture then also can use one power supply ..you can run about 50 or more led`s from one 12v supply ...Cheers dave
Brilliant straight talking video and great layout! I have a very small layout and just use cheap (Xmas) battery sets at the moment but bought some cheap street lights and lit up cars from ebay but have no idea how to wire them up, being a total novice!
Andy Holmes glad you found useful .. cheers Dave
Brilliant....always clear and easy to follow. Great ideas, thanks!
Glad it was helpful , been a while since i made this video , but nice to find still being useful to some in the hobby ...cheers Dave
A very informative video. Well done. I am certainly going to add lighting to my layout now!
Hi. Just putting lights in my buildings. Enjoyed watching your video.
Thanks for watching and i hope this helps you ...this is a old one and now i use all LED lighting ...Cheers dave
Glad it has been of some use to you Martin , certainly adds a new dimension when you get lights added ..cheers dave
Hi Mathew , I take the easy route and use Hornby Express Points , less hastle but I do use Peco flexi track
You my good man have just saved me a lot of time and effort thank you soo so much keep doing what you are doing love your layout
Glad you found my video being some help to you , since these were made I use mainly jusrt 12v now saves having to have 3 and 12 , so just one transformer can supply 60 or more LED `s on 12 v ...cheers dAve
Great video, I've just purchased some 3v lights at Warley and was totally confused with how to wire them up (I'm terrible at soldering) but this was a great help. Cheers Geoff
Regington Model Railway Glad you found this of help Geoff , the other thing you can do though is add resistors and you can wire in to 12 v , I tend to do that now it saves having separate transformers .. cheers Dave
Great information David. . .I have been adding a few lights on my layout. It sure bring it to life..
Glad you found this useful .. Cheers Dave
Thank you and gLad you found useful ...cheers dave
Great work Dave! Quite a number of different lighting techniques. Look like everything on your layout that would have a light in real life has one! LOL!
Very informative for the layman. Love the layout first rate
Thank you , glad you have found it of some use ..Cheers DAve
thank you for that dave. just in the process of getting back into the modeling scene and that was useful information.
Thanks for commenting Bill ..its a labour of love !!! pull my hair out a few times , but yes enjoy it when completed ..if ever ...Cheers dave
Hi Tim , will do a full video of the layout soon , just got to finish a few more lights and I want to just widen the layout a little ..changes again?? ..Cheers dave
Thanks Karel nearly finished upgrading the layout now ..Cheers dave
Thanks from me too David and I absolutely love your layout.
Thank you ..hope you found some things useful ..cheers Dave
interesting points ,if anyone else wants to uncover how to build a model railroad layout try Vaxicorn Railroaders Membership Guide (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate got amazing results with it.
Hi Dave, I am a fellow Yorkshireman now writing from a very hot Perth in Western Australia. I am in the final throws of completing my first layout (at the age of 70) 3m x 2.5 m. Although I consider I have ample lighting I really would like some direction as to where in the world you obtain your flashing signs and flashing lights etc as well as your controlled transformers recently referred to. Keep up the good work you are amazing. Geoff WA
Hope it helps Steve , as you say it adds life to a layout
I have lights on that Andy , it is a strip of leds that have been stuck on the inside of the entrence , then just wired to a 12 volts supply , if you look through some of my later vids you will see it lit up.
Very good video, Dave, I am looking at adding some lights and this guide is really helpful, thanks
pmr5346 glad you found the video useful... cheers dave
Glad it was of some help to you John , whats tha doin darn in devon lol , dont blame you , it can be a bit confusing , with all the different voltages , but this should help a little ...cheers Dave
thank you so much, great video which will help me buy the right equipment for my layout.
Glad you found this helpful ..good luck with your layout ..I have found now that you are far better with Led`s and I would now recommend to keep at 12 v using the resistors , this way you can run maybe up to 60 leds from one transformer ..cheers dave
Glad it has helped Dominic , and it saves a lot of adding the resistors , , just a case of locating those 3 volts transformers
Thanks Walter , it is relatively easy , and I learn as I go along , and maybe I can show others how to save on making mistakes (which I make )
A very big thank you to you I have the lights working on the 3v plug
Glad I could help , those multi transformers are very useful ..cheers dave
Hi Dave. This is a great video. I have been thinking about lights for awhile now and this will be a great help. Lights really do make a layout I think.
Thanks Dave Im going to get one of the regulated transformers and use a bus wire round the underside of my layout and then let there be light.Thank you
You found it then ..Dave
That was real good I was able to understand the story about using leds. Was totally confused. Understand much better thanks
Thanks Hugh on your comment , yes the led lights are good and with one of those transformers at 3 volts no problem , sorry carnt help with the query re r 59 I know in the early days Hornby did fit some smoke units to some of there Loco`s , try and google the hornby number , it may give you some info
Cheers dave
That is useful for anyone having that problem Dylan ..Cheers dave
Cheers Dave. Thanks for reply. It's nice to connect.
Hi David
I am new to model Railways (just starting out), and your layout looks amazing. Could you give me some advice on DCC wiring ? Do you have to put power to each section of track, or can you spread the power over so many tracks. ?
Also, if I only use DC, how much track can I use before I start to lose the current at the other end.
Hope I am making sense
Regards shaun
Hi Shaun for dcc wiring you just have to wire to the track , if you have a big layout it’s as well to lay a BUS. wire (google bus wiring … ) then just solder to your track every 8 ft. As for DC I can not advise as not run a DC track … Cheers Dave
@howarth004 Hi David
Many thanks for your help and support. That's a big help, and I am very grateful,
Best regards, shaun
Thanks , just glad it can be of some use to a few people
Hey up Dave...that was very good....helped me understand much more re lighting...thank (from a Yorkie...down in Devon!) John D xx
You have a great eye for detail.
Thanks Dave, that was good. Certainly some good lighting ideas there.
Thank you very much , will do a full train running video when I get all those other lights fitted , this was more to try to explain how to fit them ..Cheers Dave
Thanks Dave glad you liked the article in Model Rail not bad photos ha mate.
Also nice layout thank you for sharing my friend
Dennis Hall
Knoxville Tennessee
Thank you Dennis , it has chjanged a bit since i did this video , , but yes great hobby and to me the fun is in building it ..cheers Dave
Thanks John , least its looking a workable layout again now , one day you will make it round here ...Cheers Dave
Can I share a tip with you. Over the years I've accumulated a number of battery chargers from cell phones I no longer use, my old camcorder and some no longer working power tools. Most of these chargers are 12 volt here in the USA. They make good power sources for lighting and others accessories. You can save some money and keep the old chargers in use at the same time.
Great vid and use of the power supply transformer. Will get one soon.
wow your layout sure has a lot of lights!
Brilliant layout! Thanks for the tutorial.
Just glad that it is of some use to modellers as electrics can be a bit daunting with all the different voltage lights ....Cheers dave
Does help to bring a bit more dimension to them
Fascinating, I enjoyed your demonstration very much Dave!
Thanks Callum , still got a few more to add yet
Thank you for that information , i do have a few 12 volt unregulated so a capacitor would solve that , think I have one i used with the peco points to stop too much current going through
Smashing Dave, especially the effects given off during darkness.
STEVIE B.
If it is the hornby they supply inserts to put the fence in , otherwise I just cut sleepers up stick them to the board and then stick (glue) the fence to those
No problem , by the way there are signals not that just clip on to your track
Sorry Chris the ones I bought cheaper ones , are Peco , but gaugemaster do sell them
You can get them on Amazon , so should not be a problem Shane
Have just ordered from amazon @ £7.99 many thanks Rick
Yes thanks for that , I have used a few myself for the 12 volts lights , can save a bit of money useing them
Glad it was of some use for you , it sounds confusing , but like I have said use LED~ and a regulated transformer and you will be safe
Very informative video, never knew about running LEDs on 3 volts so thanks for that.
Cracking layout David.
Michael