Hi M

Don't want to throw a spanner in the works but is the fan for the PC power supply going to be obstructed by the rail the box will be sitting on.

Mark

Caravan / Motor dealers/accesory shops stock 12v fluorescent lights so probably have spare tubes. Not sure what the tubes are. Otherwise try B&Q or Homebase.

Are you always this neat?

 

Donw

 

Hello Don

Thanks for the information. I have decided to scrap my idea of using mains tubes to light the layout as it all just seems a little too dangerous with all that high voltage flying around. I really would like 12v tubes as it sounds a lot safer.

I try to be as neat as possible although some of it (mostly the wiring) is annoying and I am struggling to keep it neat. I have a good idea on what I would like to achieve and always try my best to get there.

Hi M

 

Don't want to throw a spanner in the works but is the fan for the PC power supply going to be obstructed by the rail the box will be sitting on.

 

Mark

Hello Mark

I know exactly what you are thinking and it crossed my mind too. Fortunately there is enough of a gap inbetween the fan and the bit it sits on to allow airflow. Not the ideal but it was a compromise to fit everything into the box.

Hi Missy,

 

Amazing how everything you do looks so stylish and well-engineered.

 

I have to ask, which was the layout you operated at Stafford?

Hi Mikkel

Thank you. I am trying my best.

I was operating Stephens layout 'Ynysarwed Sidings' and although the period wasnt really to my taste the way the engines ran just blew me away. I have never seen 2mmFS engines run as well as they did and it certianly has made me look at mine differently. His wagons are also amazing and hopefully he has given me a few ideas to give producing a kit or two a go.

"operating what is in my opinion one of the best running 2mmFS layouts ever"

 

Ahh....that would be Stephen Harris's layout...he told me that you were going to be operating it a few weeks ago when I was ordering some of his kits...I recall Bryn did the same and he came back feeling very inspired...

 

I guess the electrics box is seperate to the LED control panel of earlier? Can't see anything wrong with that woodwork Missy - nice work!

Hello Pete

Yes, the 'black box' is what holds all the mains stuff under the layout. The LED control panel still needs finishing off and will come later. Mark helped with the woodwork so I cant lay claim to that, my attempt (as posted before) doesnt come anywhere near as good as the stuff he can make!

Missy

The trick with mains on layouts is to keep them well separated. I had mains lights fixed to a fascia and orange wire running down the supports ending in a 3 pin plug which plugged into a double socket on the box holding transformers etc. That way I only had one electrical connection and there was no way the mains could reach any of the layout wiring.

That said I was helping Bob Harper with Maristow and asked what point motors he was using. "Oh just some mains motors I found" was the reply. Personally I would be concerned about that but Bob never fried anyone!

 

Donw

 

ps. The double socket is very handy when you need to use your soldering iron or a mini-drill in the middle of a show. Or is it just me that needs to do that.

Hello Don

Thanks for the tip although I think I am going to be safe and try these 12v tubes. I have spent a little time looking online for some but most of them seem to be a cold light. There must be something around!

Missy

Hi Missy,

I haven't been able to find a decent range of 12v fluorescent light fittings, but having spoken to a few 2mm modellers in the last few months about lighting, quite a few of us seem to be using (or in my case, plan to use!) T4 fluorescent lights.

I came across this website a while ago - they have a good range of small fluorescent light fittings with a variety of warm white/cool white tubes. They're also plug and play - so safer than those where you have to make all the connections yourself. No connection other than as a prospective customer.

http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/products.aspx?g=14&t=568&r=226

The same company sell a range of larger T5 lights - there are daylight bulbs available in this range.

Andy

Not sure what you are looking for but www.campinguniverse.co.uk show some 12v 8w fittings and 8w and 13w tubes described as warm white. I haven't used the co but it gives some ideas. When I needed a replacement I picked one off the shelf at a Caravan / motohome dealers.

Donw

Hello Don

Thank you. Thats the closest so far and I have now placed an order for 2 of those tubes to see what I can do. Hopefully they will work out ok but at that price if they dont then its no big loss.

Missy

Missy,

This is the first time I've posted anywhere on the forum so I hope

you don't mind me adding a bit?

If you are using the lights for exhibition lighting I think the Low Voltage (LV)

option may be a bit dim at only 8 watts a tube. You could use loads though!

Andy's T4 link is a great system as everything is pre-wired and 'plug and play' as he comments. These units go up to 35 watts each and you can daisy chain them.

Plus warm and cool bulbs.

If you are worried about the mains issue, a quality plug in RCD will protect you and the public. Test before each use and use seperate ones for the layout feed and the lighting feed so if you do have a fault you can trace it more easily.

(Again the T4 system or sim. allows for easy checking)

If you are worried about cutting the mains cable, you could place the feed in some plastic conduit/trunking?

If you want loads of light see below link (TLC just happens to be local to me)

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TNSM270CT2.html

These units would be heavy(ish) and need wiring up but would be super bright.

I could go on but doubt its the right place to.........

I hope you don't mind me posting, love the layout so this caught my eye.

Graham

Hello and Welcome Graham

Thank you for the post and advice. I can see your point with the mains stuff but I still think I am going to try and figure out how to do it with 12v stuff. I have ordered some 12v 13W tubes which hopefully will be enough. If not I might have to come back and rethink the mains stuff. The problem is that with my design it will have to pass through 4 connectors to get to the tubes.

I will post an entry once I have the bits so you guys can tell me what you think.

Thank you.

Missy

Missy just seen the comments re light levels you can ge all manner of flori tubes from pure white to colour matching and any shade in between . the standard 5" flori fitting can be dis assembled and put in boxes with wires to the lamp holders.

for some one who has made 2mm FS 'WORKING ' ground signal this should be easy

Nige