I’ve really been frustrated in finding and answer to the size lights I need for my HO module. I have 2 Fine Scale craftsman models and 1 Bar Mills building. I spent a great deal of time creating separate spaces in each for rooms, but I have not locked them down on my module as I am wondering about lighting. I went to Miniatronics.com website and there’s far too many lights to choose from. I’ve called their shop and they say that as suppliers they ar not model builders and cannot help. They’ve also told me this at the train shows.hey have a neat unit that will turn on and off up to 6 lights to giove that “lived in” look. See there lighting effests “Misc” for Wandering Sequential Light. I have a 12 volt DC converter under my module to connect the electronics, but would like some help as to the size bulbs to buy and the gauge wire use. I’ve been working on this for 2 years and could really help with some suggestions. Ther’s far too many bulbs to choose from…
Andy
Andy:
For a good tutorial on interior lighting basics have a look at the April and May 2004 issues of RMC (Railroad Model Craftsman). In answer to your specific question the author recommends 16volt “grain of wheat” bulbs run at about 9 volts. Softens the light, lowers the heat level, and extends the life of the bulb.
Randy
Hi Andy
I have used the grain of wheat globes for building lights but found I prefered
one of the Model RR companies lights that come in a little bulb holder.
So if the bulb blows it can be replaced
Go and talk to your local hobby suplier.
I also leave a window that is out of sight un glased for ventilation and have some windows blacked out.
If you look at any build after dark not all the lights are on.
Mind you it sounds like you have gone further than I normaly would with building lighting
Rgards John
I like to use the 1.5 volt grain of rice bulbs from loy’s toys…they are super small and put out a fantastic soft glow when they are lit inside the buildings
I use these:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=1&page=32770&category=1,250,43298
Maybe a bit more expensive than if you bought all the supplies and put them together yourself, but ready and easy to install.
Andrew
My LHS was trying to talk me into fiber optic (with a single light source) for architectural lighting. Does anyone have any experience with this?
The key is not necessarily the voltage of the grain-of-wheat bulb you usue but the amount of current you put to it. I buy small computer board and resistors and build my own transformers to allow only the amound of current I want through (you have to do this or something similar with these small bulbs anyway to keep from blowing them out from too much voltage). Most Radio Shack’s have at least one person that can help you figure out exactly what resistors you need to go from 120 down to whatever you desire for your lights. The lower the voltage the dimmer and usually more realistic your lighting.
Ron
I don’t remember if it was this forum or the general discussion forum but a few weeks ago there was a topic about using fiber optics… a lot of good info in it. Try searching for it.