How are you lighting under your layout so you can see during wire installation or maintenance?

A headlamp is what I use, along with a few led strip tapes for general illumination. All my buildings and most accessories are run by an old computer power supply, so I have 12 vdc everywhere that makes it easy to use the led strips. All my tools are cordless, so no need for 120 vac outlet. The headlamp is really the best way to do wiring because you can't light every nook and cranny well enough to hook up wires. Mine is also rechargeable, so no batteries to replace.

LED Rope Light mounted throughout the entire  underside of the layout and use a cordless LED work lamp when I need more light in one particular area. Haven't used a corded drill in about 30 years.

Once upon a time, I thought I would completely light the underside of the layout.  That really didn't work.  It's expensive and unnecessary.  Instead, I have screw hooks that I have placed where needed.  There are places that I know will need light and that's where they go.  I hang a trouble light on them when needed, and I use a headlamp when more targeted light is needed.  I'm good to go.

George

LED rope lights can also make for nice ambiance for running trains in a dark room.

I typically just turn my cell phone's flash light on and place it on the floor facing up.  When that isn't enough light, I use a LED head lamp.

I have an old 18" fluorescent worklight that I use. The problem with mounting lights is that, unless you want to be blinded by the light, the light needs to be on the floor pointing up.

@GVDobler posted:

I have an old 18" fluorescent worklight that I use. The problem with mounting lights is that, unless you want to be blinded by the light, the light needs to be on the floor pointing up.

That's where a LED Rope light "Shines". It's not just a few very bright spots blinding you in the confined space you are working in but rather hundreds of evenly spaced lights that blanket the entire area in a nice even glow.  Easy to mount, always at the ready and never in your way.

I have a DeWalt cordless work light that I move around with me if needed.

@G3750 posted:

Once upon a time, I thought I would completely light the underside of the layout.  That really didn't work.  It's expensive and unnecessary.  Instead, I have screw hooks that I have placed where needed.  There are places that I know will need light and that's where they go.  I hang a trouble light on them when needed, and I use a headlamp when more targeted light is needed.  I'm good to go.

George

As a public service for younger members (under 50 maybe), perhaps you should post a picture of what a "trouble light" looks like. 

I have a LED puck light that I mounted under the layout. It is enough for the small area that I can access.

LED Rope light would be the best option like @H1000 did.

Bob

@Mallard4468 posted:

As a public service for younger members (under 50 maybe), perhaps you should post a picture of what a "trouble light" looks like. 

@RSJB18 posted:

Should we warn people about not touching the metal parts, or should we let them learn the same way that we did?

I have a 4 foot 2 row LED light I move as needed. The issue with permanent lights is they would be under the table top and shining in my eyes with the 4 foot light on the ground it shines up at the work area and I also have a couple of LED drop/trouble lights I use as and where needed. All portable lighting there is enough wiring under the layout without adding more. IMHO once wiring is done in a certain are there should be no need to to return to that area unless expending or additions to that area!

@Mallard4468 posted:

Should we warn people about not touching the metal parts, or should we let them learn the same way that we did?

LOL! Still have the scars.........or better than that- the old ones with non-polarized plugs......made for lots of fireworks when you hung it on a copper pipe.

Headlamp and DeWalt battery powered goose neck work light.  I have the big 5-hour battery on the work light for stability, although I am looking for something easy to move and position but with more stability.

Also, all tools are now battery powered.

@Mallard4468 posted:

As a public service for younger members (under 50 maybe), perhaps you should post a picture of what a "trouble light" looks like. 

"Younger"?    You almost triggered the "get off my lawn" response! 

Ok, ok, here's my trouble light.  Note the LED bulb.

George

I bought cheap LED lights at the big box store. They were battery powered so I wired them to a 4.5V wall plug (they took 3 1.5 V batteries) and a switch. You could probably find wired ones now. This was 4-5 years ago, LEDs didn't have as many options as they do now.

Mike

@CAPPilot posted:

Headlamp and DeWalt battery powered goose neck work light.  I have the big 5-hour battery on the work light for stability, although I am looking for something easy to move and position but with more stability.

Also, all tools are now battery powered.

We don't use a drill around here more than a few times a year, so the old corded ones are still "employed".  :-)

Thank you, everyone, for all the ideas.