LED layout lighting A low-heat, even light option/George Gibson
beyond my expectations. A few weeks later, my under shelf lighting problem was history and better than sliced bread. So what did I find? I found a light source that is color correct for daylight, gives off virtually no heat, and can be dimmed. It is also flexible and extreme- ly thin. These ribbons can be cut into various lengths and come with 3M® made adhesive backing. There is a va- riety of colors and light temperatures. In addition, there are no layout “cross shadows” to deal with. With a powerful 12 volt d.c. power source any model railroader can get they perform well. If you can solder a wire to a track rail, you can solder leads to these ribbons. I just ordered another reel for anoth- er project and found the product con- tinues to evolve. My last dimmer had to be hard wired
to the ribbon; the
T
he best comment I’ve heard about my new layout’s under shelf lighting has been, “I think that’s better than sliced bread.” You know what? I think I agree, but that’s getting ahead of the story.
Like most layout building chal- lenges, wanting under shelf lighting presented several problems. This, of course, led to numerous answers and advice from various modeling sources who suggested I use incandescent, fluo- rescent, rope lights, Christmas lights, etc. Originally, in the older parts of the layout, I constructed my own lighting based mostly on sage advice. The new- er section, however, brought forth dif- ferent issues and tougher problems, and to be totally honest I was stumped. Tried and true methods simply would- n’t work. I actually considered the problem as unsolvable and left it that way, in the dark.
Luck, though, was in my favor and I found the answer in the strangest of places. A local home show was going on and my wife dragged me there. A vari- ety of local contractors and vendors RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN
The color tone of various LED lighting strips (top) can vary, so don’t assume it will al- ways be right for every situation. There is a difference between interior and exterior rib- bons (above). An inside layout doesn’t need outdoor lighting and the extra expense is significant. Be sure to order the ribbon with an adhesive backing and include a dimmer.
were present showing their wares. One, especially, caught my eye, a com- mercial lighting specialist who used LED ribbon lights for creating all sorts of interior and exterior lighting effects. I was suddenly sold on the idea that these ribbons of hundreds of surface mount LED’s could solve my problem until the guy told me the price. I was shocked and knew my modeling budget couldn’t come close to satisfying my wish to have these lights.
Google®. I did multiple searches, con- tacted lighting wholesalers, and scratched along looking for something that, at the time, really didn’t even have a widely-circulated technical name. LED lighting was just breaking into the retail market and was new. With patience and persistence, however, I found a supplier and, more importantly, a supplier with variety and inventory and information
Thank heavens for the internet and
newest dimmer is wireless and pro- grammable. Additional colors and color combinations are available, some with the capability to produce an infinite va- riety of color on the layout, and they are easily programmable.
If these LED ribbon lights are some- thing you might be interested in, I have a few suggestions based on my experi- ence. First find a supplier that sells sample lengths of ribbon. There are col- or differences among different ribbon manufacturers. By getting a sample you won’t be surprised and you won’t be disappointed in your choice. Second, know the difference between interior and exterior ribbons. If your layout is indoors, don’t spend the extra on wa- terproof ribbons. Finally, be sure your order comes with the 3M brand of ad- hesive backing. Their product is reli- able and it is simply the easiest and best way to mount these ribbons.
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