Layout lighting with LED strips
Using dimmable LED strips for layout lighting
Every model railroad layout needs proper lighting and COB LED strips are relatively inexpensive. They can be easily hidden behind the valance to illuminate the whole layout with no dark spots.
I purchased a 200W dimmable power supply, two dimmers, and two COB LED strips (one 2700K and one 4000K). The plan is to wire the strips so they can be controlled and dimmed separately, allowing for the creation of the exact color temperature or varying light intensity to simulate early morning or late evening scenes.
Here is the test wiring and light effect. The dimmers are controlled using standard 230V buttons.
COD LED strips are certainly more expensive than traditional LED strips, but provide a consistent and continuous light with no dark spots. The strips can be cut and are quite flexible. A perfect solution for layout lighting is using LED strips.
New blue layout lighting LED strip for night scenes!
An updated version of the lighting power supplies and dimmers (including a blue LED strips for night scenes) is available.
Adding blue LED strips to the layout creates a subtle nighttime effect, simulating moonlight and low-light conditions for evening scenes. This blue lighting enhances the realism during nighttime operations, adding atmosphere.
By using different color temperature LED strips, such as 2700K for warm daylight, 4000K for neutral daylight, and blue strips for nighttime, I can effectively recreate realistic sunrise, sunset, and day-to-night transitions, enhancing the visual depth and atmosphere of the layout.
COB LED strips are ideal for creating a uniform lighting effect, making them perfect for model railroads where every detail needs to be visible without shadows or uneven lighting.
With the ability to customize brightness and color temperature, these strips help replicate realistic lighting conditions, from bright midday sun to soft evening glow, enhancing the layout’s realism.
