Low profile wiring

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I remember reading on the forum recently about some type of copper foil that you use on the insides of buildings for wiring lights. It was low profile and could be easily painted over and hidden. I have a detailed depot with a detachable roof that I’d like to obscure the light wiring inside it as much as possible - especially along the walls

Also, anyone who has knowledge of this product: How do you like it? Where did you buy it from? What limitations have you run into?

Thanks! [:)]

Tom

2

I’ve never used it, but I know you can find it in craft stores that sell stuff for dollhouses. It’s used a lot on them…

3

You can also find copper foil in stained glass hobby stores. It is sold in rolls of various sizes (widths). It has an adhesive on the back. Very easy to solder on. If you have a steady hand, you could probably split a strip down the middle and make it easier to hide or paint over.

Darrell, quiet…for now

4

Some years ago, Life-Like sold something that you brushed on like paint. It was conductive and could have wires soldered to it.

5

You could also probably use Bare Metail copper foil or aluminum foil.

6

You could also run the wires inside hollow plastic coffee stirrers, like real electrical conduit. Then you can paint the stirrers to look like pipes or downspouts.

7

I think I seen something like this in a Walthers sale catelog or an issue of MR. It was a picture of figure holding a lantern with a silver strip painted down the back. and the lantern was glowing

8

Here you go: http://www.cir-kitconcepts.com/WhoWeAre.html

9

Randy,

Thanks for that link. That’s EXACTLY what I’m looking for! [:)][tup] I’ve got it bookmarked and I’ll look at it more when I have a chance.

Everybody,

Before I got back and read all the replies, I ended up picking up some “light” wt. copper foil from Michael’s yesterday afternoon. It doesn’t come with any adhesive on the back. Even so, after it’s cut it to width, I can use either spray adhesive or double-stick tap to hold it in place. The foil is fairly easy to cut with an X-acto knife. (Two or 3 pass and you are through.) I plan on trying some experimentation to see what strip width and tab length will work best.

Thanks everybody for your input! [:)]

Tom