ADVICE REQUESTED: I am about to upgrade the lighting on my layout-3

You can buy LED tubes that fit into the existing fixtures with no modifications. My attic layout is much brighter just by doing that. Check the color range first.

I have several of these   https://www.menards.com/main/p...026578257&ipos=1         

The color range or lumens should definitely be taken into consideration, if you go with the wrong one you will find the lite to be to harsh. Go to Home Depot or Lowe’s and look at the various LEDs and their output. I would even suggest buying just one that you think you like and try it for a while.  When we built our new club layout we picked up what “was cheap”. They are way to harsh almost to the point of being annoying . Jim

Dear NCNG,

I have attached attached some photos of the lighting system installed in my (train room) garage  for  my 2 Rail O scale 12x18 Layout.

The bulbs are F54T SHO/850  54W CRI85.

They produce 5,000 k of light and they are a whiter white. 

The photos show the train room is like daylight.

My neighbors in my golf /gated community thought I was growing marajuana ,it was so bright !!!!!!

Hope this helps you. Regards, John P.Dunn Sr. Scale2Rail Promotions

I used the version of led tubes that require the bypass of the ballast, worked great, and looks good.

To be considered, part of a lighting project. 

(1.)  Room dimensions, you mentioned.

(2.) Ceiling height, distance between light mounting height and the display area, train layout. 

(3.) Reflectivity of walls and ceiling.  Paint, wall coverings, natural lighting, to be consider, in addition to light fixtures.

(4.) Desired light level at the display (Foot candles)??  

(5.)  Work lighting and display lighting can be different.  

(6.) Type of fixture, LED mentioned, (Lumens) light intensity the fixture can produce. 

(7.) Size of the light fixture, Some LED lighting can be supplied as flat panels, requiring minimal installation space. 

(8.) Some LED lighting has the ability to be dimmed, not all. 

(9.)  Note that LED dimming and dimmers are different from incandescent dimmers. 

(10.) Color of LED lighting.  Different color options have been mentioned.  Daylight, Warm white, natural, etc. 

(11.) A good electrical lighting supply dealer has the ability to answer most of these questions, or put you in contact with a light fixture sales representative. 

Best wishes with your project.

I used flush mount lighting that I originally had halogen bulbs as LEDs were very expensive at the time. I replaced the halogens with 100 watt equivalent LED bulbs when the prices dropped to $5 a piece, and am very pleased with the results. They are dimmable.

Since you're working in a garage, it would be easier to go with Rich's suggestion of the "led tubes that require the bypass of the ballast".

Good luck on your project!

Bruce

PRR Bruce posted:

 

Very nice layout Bruce! Not familiar with FasTrack, could you put a switch into the reversing loop from the siding?

BobbyD posted:

PRR Bruce posted:

 

Very nice layout Bruce! Not familiar with FasTrack, could you put a switch into the reversing loop from the siding?

Bobby, Yes I could put a switch into the reversing loop. Here's the layout design: