Overhead Lighting for Layout

  The light coming out of those Costco led lights just don't look right to me . My friend set some up in his workshop next to his train room so I could compare it next to the old 4ft bulbs.

Everyone claims the LED's will last a lifetime with no heat and little electricity consumption. Have used dimmable incandescent track and fluorescent lights. Remember you will need bright light to do maintenance and cleaning. Another question is temperature, Cool?, Warm?, or Daylight? Everyone has their opinion of what looks best.

Whatever type you choose, lights must be placed so they are at least somewhat behind the viewer, that they do not see the trains in shadow. We have visited outstanding layouts with overhead lights placed slightly or more behind the trains and everything you see is dark since the lights shine upon the opposite side of the train. (which no one can see without a mirror...)

There are a lot of factors, including personal preference, involved in this question.  Regardless, make your lights adjustable, because sooner or later you will want that option.

Here is a good read on lighting.  I posted pics of fully adjustable brightness and color temperature LED's

https://ogrforum.com/t...08#71397234062665108

I have been playing with those led light rolls and have had some interesting results.  What's interesting is even though there are 300 lights per 15 feet or so, it is still somewhat directional.  That is if you bend the strip just a little you can redirect the light.  And there is PLENTY of light.  I use the daylight white mostly but the softer white looks pretty neat on the layout portions that are mostly just scenery and no trains or structures.  Also for 15 feet of light they are pretty cheap!    Russ