Lighting

Lighting can make a layout, but as a group, we didn't have any experience, so we looked around and settled on LED's that would be fitted into100mm black plastic guttering with a silver foil lining. For supports, we decided on 12mm copper pipe fitted to the rear of the layout, with wiring fed down the pipe to individual transformers. Ideally the pipe would be curved at the top rather than use soldered fittings. After some trials, we started fabrication and it all went well.

The former to curve the pipes.
 
Brackets to secure the detachable guttering. Note the cut-out in the pipe end/side for the cables.

The trestle adaptation: one hole for the pipe and one for the table (Big enough for the plug!)


Self-adhesive silver tape reflectors.


We weren't sure about the colour of the LED's so plumped for 2 x cold and 1 x warm white. They were individually powered, which enabled us to experiment. In the end, 1 of each was fine to get a nice effect, so we have a spare, if required.

We are very happy with the lighting!

Lighting from the front reduces shadows and the colour rendering is good. There are always a scary few moments setting up the lighting as the plugs can very easily slip into the open pipe end which can be a lengthy process to sort out. We just have to take extra, extra care setting it all up.