What do you think about using white, yellow, and red INVISIBLE paint that shines when subjected to BLACK LIGHT for car headlights, tail lights, windows on buildings that are paper backdrops, and etc., then hanging a black light over the layout?
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That sounds like an exciting effect!
It seems like a good idea. My only concern would be things on the layout that would flouresce under UV light like glues, paints or some plastics. I remember going to several Christmas displays that used black lights and the number of things on the layout that glowed made it look like a CSI crime scene!
Jerry
The late great John Allen did that many years ago and it was quite effective. The coolest effect was under the street lights. He would paint a circle about the size of a quarter under each one as well as the bulb so it looked like light was being cast on the street and sidewalk from the light. Another was not only did he do the car headlights he also did the tear drop shapes of the lights on the ground in front of the car. He was the master of effects. Russ
It seems like a good idea. My only concern would be things on the layout that would flouresce under UV light like glues, paints or some plastics. I remember going to several Christmas displays that used black lights and the number of things on the layout that glowed made it look like a CSI crime scene!
Jerry
Interesting dilemma. I need to get the black light to test it out. If it doesn't work for the reasons you say I am stuck with a useless black light. What to do? What to do?
Thank you all for your comments and the John Allen references. It DOES seem like an idea worth pursuing...
Michael,
You can get relatively inexpensive black light tubes in different lengths that fit in standard fluorescent fixtures. Google Edmund's Scientific for one source of the tubes. One of those wacky Spencer's stores in a local mall might have them too.
Here's a link to an Edmund's fixture and bulb combo:
These will be what are called "long wavelength UV sources" which will cause most "black light" materials to fluoresce. You will need a source that covers a relatively large area, and the tubes are best for the money at doing that.
Stay away from any source listed as "short wavelength UV" unless you want to give your little people (and yourself) a tan while you're at it. 
Don Klose used UV tubes very successfully in a city scene on his layout. He'll post a photo if he sees this. You might want to put "black light" in your thread title to increase the chances of a response from others who have used the technique.
Jim
As Jim Policastro pointed out I use the old John Allen Trick of using black light to light signs, streets and windows in addition to the dozens of lights thru the city, the photo below is one section of a 32 foot span utilizing black light. It also can change the color of neon lighting, eg blue to green. On my Bellevue and Schenectady RR it works for me.
Looks good Don....
Michael....
I installed three 4 foot long black light fixtures on the ceiling of the trainroom. They are approximately 6 feet apart and light up a wall that is 40 feet long. On this wall, I have printed flats of city highrises. I am still in the process of painting / coloring some of the windows in each building so that they glow when the black lights are on. I wanted the effect of the buildings reflecting transient city light off in the distance. With the black lights being mounted on a 10.5 foot ceiling and approximately 8 feet away from the wall, the "glow" is just right for what I was trying to accomplish. I still have a lot of windows to paint but the pictures below may help you get the idea. Most of the smaller buildings have the windows painted thus the reason why you see what appears to be incandescent light coming from them. You will have to squint your eyes since the pictures are not the best....BUT if you will click on each one to enlarge them, you will get a more detailed view.
Alan
Leaving tracks - how big is your room?
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