I decided I wanted to light my static yard lights on THEERR. This thread will document my progress. Enjoy.
I started with my static yard lights. They where built with simple supplies. Some clear vinyl pads from Ace hardware and some 1/8 diameter bamboo skewers. I removed the bamboo skewers.... ...and made new 7x1/8" poles from 1/8" brass tubing. For now they are just pushed into the same holes on the layout.
Ordering some Nano...or Pico LEDs with 8" magnet wire leads. Also some 'hookup wire'. Will also buy a 3V 'regulated' walwart power supply. Stay tuned....
If you decide to make these as static yard lights... its pretty simple Buy some angled vinyl pads... Mark the center of the smaller end... and use a pin to 'center punch' it. This will give the 1/8 inch drill bit a path to follow. You can drill all the way through the pad. You will be making a 'reflector' that gets glued on the top ( the larger end). Stick a long bamboo skewer into the 'light' and drill a 1/8 inch hole on your layout where you want the light to be. They are static lights but do add some 'life' to you train yard. OR...folow this thread and see how I light them for real... .
Very Nice! I'll be following this closely as I intend to install lighting as I go. Sources and product numbers etc would be wonderful. ☻
Grey One... I bought the pads at Ace Hardware. I bought the bamboo skewers at Walmart. The lighting....well.. So far I bought two 36 inch x 1/8 inch brass tubing from Ace hardware and cut them to 7 inch lengths. The lighting...I will check to see if its ok to mention the manufacturer/dealer
@mtntrainman Feel free to PM me. Knowing I can get the tubing at ACE was helpful. I need a source on the lights, types of on / off you used etc. I'm thinking in terms of cheap rocker SPST switches and LEDs to light my buildings and such but I have no idea what LEDs to get.
Grey One.... I was given the links to a manufacturer/dealer. Let me call them to discuss whats needed and get my order in. I will contact Admin to see if I can post a link to his site. The LED system is awesomely simple...and it WORKS !! I am stoked !! I have an experiment I want to do for dimming the LEDS. I will see once everything is here...
Not yet. With the holidays and kids and grandkids...even a great granddaughter to buy presents for...the budget is strained to the max. I probably wont get the LEDS in till after the first of the year. BUt...I will post here when I do
Ahhhhh yup///misread...sorry The LED will be at the tip of the 1/8 inch tubing...the part that goes in the light 'fixture' itself.
In the middle of that 'bumper'? What are you using for the 'hat'? I wonder if something larger would be better to keep the light focused downward where you want it (as a reflector)?
Yea....once I get the LEDS installed and the brightness where it looks best. I will experiment with different size reflectors on the top. Right now they only overhang the top by 1/8 inch on all sides. I just dont want them looking like spaceships when I get done...LOL.
Understood. Not to get OT, there use to have towers w/ two floodlights available (maybe atlas?), any know if they still available? They weren't European design.
All you need is a reflective surface stuck to the top of the bumper since the LED is aimed up. There's already adhesive on the bumper so anything reflective can be easily attached. Maybe a small piece of plastic mirror used for jewelry making, etc.
Damn! $3 for 25 pieces and Prime shipping too! Better get cracking on the other 18 lights!!!! (Only because I counted 7 in your first picture. )
