Skip to main content

2 replies

Floodlights vs spotlights and other lighting questions

B BandoMNOGR Forum Member

Hi all. I 've been hanging out here for years but only ever posted once or twice.  This forum has been the best resource for me over the years and I much admire and respect the members who make such an outstanding contribution to our hobby.

I've looked at many of the layout lighting threads on here but I can't find the answer to a couple of key questions.

  • Should I use spotlights or floodlights?
  • My U-shaped point-to-point 14x10 layout is 3 feet deep front-to-back.  Should I install the lighting track above the front, center or back of the layout?


I'm installing painted backdrops, dimmable 2700-3500+ LEDs and either one circuit or two (One for every-day and one for special night-time effects.  Not sure yet).

I'm rebuilding my layout and need to move the current lighting tracks anyway - they currently use incandescent 65W bulbs and I'm looking for a substantial upgrade. They're installed toward the front of the layout and pointed a little toward the rear so I can't see the actual bulbs in their cans.

Your usual wise guidance would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

hokie71hokie71OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Since you have dimmable lighting, the goal should be to illuminate well the entire layout

1) spotlights or floodlights? Depending on how many you have, floodlights have a wider dispersion.

2) choose the location for the track that provides the broadest coverage options or is best if you have an outstanding feature or two.

Pictures would help you get better comments and ideas. Watch out for dimmers and leds. The dimmer I bought (wall mounted) needed a wattage threshold to work and I had to use one halogen bulb with my leds. I used recessed cans distributed across the ceiling to minimize shadows. Good luck with the project!

Mike CTMike CTOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

There is a lot of different types of track and track heads.  I used a single circuit, 110 volt, track, and track heads as pictured.  As the layout approaches 20 years, I upgraded most of heads to LED. One of the most unique advances in 20 years is lamps that have the three primary colors, that can be changed to different hues and intensity.  Once extremely expensive, today competitively price.  Lighting consultants should be available, local lighting supplies, architect/engineer/designers.

Layout lighting.

Last edited by Mike CT

Add Reply

Tags: spotlights, lighting, Floodlights
Views: 267
Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership

OGR Forum Supporting Membership

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.
You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!
A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!


    OR     


Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND  over 300 back issues of OGR
with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!



$12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×