LED lighting for model trains

Rob’s been back in touch with some very useful tips on LED lighting for model trains:

“Hi Al,

Here is one for you. Recently, I have had a lot of fun putting lights on various vehicles on my model train layout, Farland.

When I turn down the room’s lights, they look lifelike and add another dimension to the layout.

Since I have now added lighting to a number of vehicles, I would like to share a few tips. Some modelers might find it helpful if I outline some of the basics when doing this and list the parts needed and where they can be acquired.

In some cases, you can buy cars and trucks with installed lighting, but these are relatively expensive and may not be the model year or the exact type or scale a person wants.

Sometimes, people already have the cars, trucks, and buses they want, but they must be lit. In those cases, it would make sense to add the lighting as a project for themselves.

The methods I use in the video can quickly be adapted to trucks, buses, and cars.

I will define the material I am using and the sources for this material below—that way, anyone wishing to try this can quickly find the things they’ll need.

A) Prewired pico SMD LEDs in any color, white, green, red, yellow, and blue, from eBay 20 for $10-$20US
(SMD means surface-mounted diode)

B) Suggested resistors 1K ohms 1/2 watt and 5K ohms 1/2 watt from eBay about $2-$4US for 20+

C) 1/16″ (1.5mm) ID Black Heat Shrink Tube 2:1 ratio shrink (6 pcs x 9″ long) $2.50US

I hope this helps someone.

Thank you, Alastair, for all the great things you do in helping the modeling community worldwide.

Cheers,

Rob”

LED lighting for model trains

LED lighting for model trains

LED lighting for model trains

model railway

model railway bus



model railway street scene

LED lighting for model trains

LED lighting for model trains

LED lighting for model trains

LED lighting for model trains

model railway at night

model railway at night

model railway at night

LED lighting for model trains

 Schematic Diagram for model train led lights



(Watch on youtube.)

A huge big thank you for Rob for sharing his take on LED lighting for model trains.

That’s all for this time folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.





Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.

8 Responses to LED lighting for model trains

  1. David Howarth says:

    looks a lot more realistic with the lights added

  2. Marklin ed. says:

    THANKS Rob for the information and the items you need to make it happen. You’re always so helpful for us beginners.
    THANK Al for the wonderful site.

  3. Johnny yuma says:

    Al, don’t get me wrong, I have an awe and appreciation for all the attention to detail, but it seems to me that there is more of this posting and less attention to trains. Believe me, if I could afford the time and expense I’d put more of this in my layout; however I enjoy running trains and enjoy seeing other layouts for design ideas. I do thank you for your hosting the postings for this hobby. Keep up the good work.

  4. Steve Ruple says:

    Looks good Rob !!!!!

  5. dave says:

    I have a problem with your schematic
    using 2 volts fore red led and 5k res
    allows only 2 ma though the led

    I believe led would very dim if even on.

    common led current is 10 to 20 ma

    dave

  6. dave says:

    oops you did say pico leds
    common 2ma

    my bad
    dave

  7. robert dale tiemann says:

    very nice. keep gpoing.

  8. Pete Evangel says:

    Great info Rob. Question from a beginning novice!!! Can you wire the red (hot lead) from both lights to one resistor or do you have to use two? Curious if that would mean both lights come on at the same time with one power source.

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