Tiny lights for backscene

[rushdenx1]

The backscene of my OO Gauge Layout depicts a 'Distribution Depot'. There are a number of street and floodlights on the print which I would like to be lit in the distance. I have not found a bulb

small enough to demonstrate what I want and I don't want it to protrude much and give off a lot of light. I have thought of drilling tiny holes through the back scene and using fibre optics, but

I don't think fibre optics are fliexible enough to bend flat behind the backscene, without snapping. Can anyone suggest anything or what is the smallest bulb avaialble ? Any ideas appreciated. Kevin.

[Edwin_m]

LEDs are available down to about the size of a grain of sand! Take a look at these for example, just a small selection of the thousands on offer from even more specialist suppliers.

 

The main problem with these is soldering to them, for which you might want to consider nano-lights (scroll down a couple of screens). The only other issues are making sure you use a DC supply, get the polarity right and wire them in parallel with a resistor (1k or so) in series with each one.

[28XX]

Drill through each lighting feature in the backscene as you suggested. Fit a sheet of, say, 2mm thick acrylic or polycarbonate sheet behind the backscene. Where the street lights are, drill part-way through the plastic, leaving a conical 'pit' opposite each streetlight. Light the edge of sheet (this edge will need to be square and polished) from below or above. Internal reflection in the 'pits' will send enough light forward. This trick is often used on shop window displays, you can even tint some of the 'pits' to give a yellow sodium light effect, if this is appropriate.

[Kris]

I think that LED's are the way to go for your requirements.

[PhilJ W]

Try looking for white LED Christmas lights. I obtained some some years ago, 200 for £9.99. all ready wired together about 2mm in size. They will soon be in the shops if not already so.