Multi-level layout lighting

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m in the process of building a two level layout using Bill Darnaby’s hot-wire foam board and L-bracket construction but I’m having trouble deciding on how to light the lower level. Questions:

  1. How do you mount incandescent bulb recepticles onto an 1/8" masonite fascia?
    2)How do you mount the wire to the same masonite? (I’m running 2 lines - one for white and one for blue lights)
  2. My upperlevel base is 2" foam. How do I keep the lower level lighting from melting the bottom of it? (I’m using 60W bulbs)

Thanks for any help you can give.
Tim

2

Another option is to try rope lighting. I am using this method to light the bottom of two levels, with 20 inches of seperation. I painted the bottom of the top level white so that more light would be reflected downwards. For the amount I am using it will total the output of about one 100 watt light bulb. I have come to the conclusion I might have to run a fan for air circulation (heat) during op sessions, though by myself it isn’t too bad.

You can get “rope Lighting” at stores like Home Depot.

3

I’d use flouresent. Very little (if any) heat, mutiple colors and easy to install+maintain.

4

Something that i have planned to do for the last year or so is to use "Christmas tree " lights from Provo Craft or Sylvestri clipped under the fascia. These are already UL listed and made so that they will NOT ignite even dry christmas trees. I had planned to have white, yellow, redorange, and blue with programmed fading (x10 light controls) from yellow-white days to yellow red sunset, to blue nights. also white-blue if i wanted to simulate rainy days or over cities program blue with faded yellow red for city glow.
soulds like a bunch but is not and I prefer the opinions of UL to mine where safety is concerned.
Doug, in Utah