Lighting the layout room

I have seen this subject addressed on the forum in the past and recall having seen some very good info, including some from someone that I recall being in the lighting business.

What flourescent light tubes or bulbs give the truest shade of color that simulates the sunlight, not in intensity, but in color spectrum? I’m shooting for a bright “high overcast” or maybe “partly cloudy” effect. Thanks, Dan

I have florecent lighting installed for general train room lighting…but what i did for the light color effects was to install 12 recessed lights in the ceiling and installed 40 watt blue, yellow, and white lights…if i turn on the blue only, it gives the effect of a moon lit night…if i turn on the yellow, the effect is sunrise or sundown, and if i turn on the white…well…not much change…just more light in the room…i think i’m going to replace the white with more blue and yellow lights…the colored lights do help my photography a bit…chuck

Many companies make full-spectrum bulbs. A good one is Chromalux. We use their lights in our vitamin store. Some of the spots are on 24/7. They say they last 4000 hours. That is about right.

I just got a couple big full-spectrum spots to light my layout. It is sort of a summery western scene. I’ll put them up this weekend. I’ll let you know.

For true florescent color, you’ll need a 5000K bulb. Usually cost about $6 each or so.