scenics / lighting

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Ian Cornish - 29 May 2005 22:26 GMT

I'm looking to add some lighting to my existing trackside buildings, so
I can run at night time, with a sense of realism.
what do folks use for the job ? Batteries, 12 v dc feed from controller
etc, LED's, grain of wheat bulbs etc.

Also, has anyone been able to mimic the "flicker" of older gas lights,
and if so, how ?

Reply to this Message

MartinS - 29 May 2005 22:40 GMT

> I'm looking to add some lighting to my existing trackside buildings,
> so I can run at night time, with a sense of realism.
> what do folks use for the job ? Batteries, 12 v dc feed from
> controller etc, LED's, grain of wheat bulbs etc.

For older gas or tungsten-lit buildings I put 2 minature 12 volt bulbs
in series and run them off the AC accessory terminals. An alternative
would be to use yellow LEDs.

> Also, has anyone been able to mimic the "flicker" of older gas
> lights, and if so, how ?

I wasn't aware that gas lights with mantles flickered, except perhaps in
a high wind (or draught). I guess very old open-flame gas or paraffin
lamps would flicker more.

Signature

Martin S.

Reply to this Message

Ian Cornish - 30 May 2005 08:26 GMT

How about external lighting, such as platform lights ? Grain of wheat
is a little out of scale:-(

>>I'm looking to add some lighting to my existing trackside buildings,
>>so I can run at night time, with a sense of realism.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> a high wind (or draught). I guess very old open-flame gas or paraffin
> lamps would flicker more.

Reply to this Message

Phil - 30 May 2005 09:14 GMT

> I'm looking to add some lighting to my existing trackside buildings, so
> I can run at night time, with a sense of realism.
> what do folks use for the job ? Batteries, 12 v dc feed from controller
> etc, LED's, grain of wheat bulbs etc.

> Also, has anyone been able to mimic the "flicker" of older gas lights,
> and if so, how ?

Phil: This christmas, Strings of White LED lamps were available very
cheaply - 80 for 10ukp with transformer. Or if separated, choose suitable
resistors to limit the individual (dc) current to 10mA per LED (V=IR) and
allow for 2-4V across an LED according to colur etc. NEVER use an LED
from a voltage source (eg battery/power supply) without a current limiting
resistor or similar protection, of course.

Signature

Phil Spiegelhalter: Phil@fillin.co.uk
==== Technical Training for Broadcasters =====
*RE CUE Mobile DV Multi-Camera Production and Non-Linear Editing*

Reply to this Message

google@sheerstock.fsnet.co.uk - 31 May 2005 09:51 GMT

> > I'm looking to add some lighting to my existing trackside buildings, so
> > I can run at night time, with a sense of realism.
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> from a voltage source (eg battery/power supply) without a current limiting
> resistor or similar protection, of course.

Not quite true, if you arrange for the correct voltage to be supplied,
you don't need a resistor.

Andrew

Reply to this Message

Phil - 31 May 2005 10:19 GMT

> > > I'm looking to add some lighting to my existing trackside buildings,
> > > so I can run at night time, with a sense of realism. what do folks
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> > NEVER use an LED from a voltage source (eg battery/power supply)
> > without a current limiting resistor or similar protection, of course.

> Not quite true, if you arrange for the correct voltage to be supplied,
> you don't need a resistor.

> Andrew

Phil: If you were then to replace the LED, with one of a slightly
different Specification, the voltage drop across it would change, and this
would result in a very different current (and brightness). The CURRENT is
what you wish to control (/limit), and unless feeding from a current
source, it is advisable to ensure a minimal variation - eg with a series
resistor. A voltage source (as I specified above) is not suitable without
the extra protection - eg the variation of voltage from a battery /
internal resistance during its life, or with a (regulated) theoretical
power supply - an infinite current availability at the specified constant
voltage - (subject only to the constraints of Ohms law on the total load -
and the LED is non linear)

Signature

Phil Spiegelhalter: Phil@fillin.co.uk
==== Technical Training for Broadcasters =====
*RE CUE Mobile DV Multi-Camera Production and Non-Linear Editing*

Reply to this Message

Model Forum / General / Railroads / May 2005

scenics / lighting