GREAT IDEA FOR UNDER THE LAYOUT LIGHTING

Alex that's a great idea.  Thanks.

Good idea Alex. Not long after I built my layout I bought some clear clear Christmas light strings and stapled them under the whole stretch.  I bought them right after Christmas "like now" I paid half price for them and now I have 400 lights under the layout and just plug them in when I need them. 

Hi Chris,

Yes I agree with you, the Christmas lights are a great idea, but one thing i like about these lights is i can swivel or pivot it and read the writing on the train box I'm looking for .Also i don't have to plug anything in, as soon as i go under the layout they automatically light up.Plus since i hit 50 years old i can't see anything LOL

Thanks,

Alex

Another good idea Alex, I use rope lights bought on sale, flip on the switch and your ready to go.

Jack

I used the Christmas lights too. I used them to light up my Plasticville buildings, and the rest light up under the platform.

Your right Alex. With the light you have you can concentrate the light right where you need it which is incredibly handy!  Talk about seeing; I'm 51 and have to where my glasses all the time!  

At 50 ? Wait a few years, 50 will be the good o days when you thought you had bad vision

Great advice on the lights, Alex and others

Brent

HSN?  You  need a hobby Alex!

Greta idea, Alex. I need some of these. I usually drag a trouble light around with me. But, I need more than 4. 

Fantastic!

Thanks, Alex.

Peter

C'mon you guys. You're supposed to use your

Official Lionel Under Layout Lighting System!

Ed

The lights Alex are using are also available at the large discount chains...saw them the other day next to the check out counters.  Lots of products under a sign:  "As seen on TV"...

Alan

Oh, for a layout to put these under....

Thanks for posting Alex! Really good and practical idea.  

Hi Guys

   Thanks for all the nice comments, I'm going to purchase a few more !!!!

Thanks,

Alex

I'm just wondering how long the batteries will last. Won't these pull continuous power from the batteries to operate the motion detector? Even though there is no motion, won't it continually be under power in "Stand by" mode?

Just wondering.

Hi Mustang,

 FWIW According to HSN they said approximately  two years.

Alex

Alex, I got similar lights like these from HSN several months ago.  Only difference is they can be removed from it's base.  I planned to use these outside, but I think I'll repurpose them for under the layout!

Great tip Alex, I need a few of those for the attic too ...

Paul

Thank you.   This is a great idea. 

Congratulations on thinking outside the box.  A wonderfully useful idea you've shared with us.

Alex,

   Great idea, have been looking for something like this to replace the string lights.

OK what are the damages and where do I purchase them?

I agree with Brian probably need at least 8-12 of these lights.

PCRR/Dave

Altmeyer's $12.99

Thanks guys for the nice comments

Pine Creek, i purchased them from HSN (Home Shopping Network) for 10.00 each.

As some of the other's said above, you might be able to find them cheaper

Thanks,

Alex

Looks like a nice addition pal.

For anyone that has been under Alex's layout, or any layout for that matter, will know, this is a welcome addition. It sure beats using your cell phone as a flashlight. LOL!

Mike R

Neat idea.  I like it.  Might have to get some of those.

Thanks for sharing the idea Alex.

I need under-layout lights, too, but Mustang brings up a very good point.  This reminds me of wireless remote-controlled LED under-cabinet lights we bought at Costco when we remodeled our kitchen last year.  They were so easy to install, were well-hidden and provided just the right amount of illumination.  However, despite hardly any use the batteries lasted less than 2 weeks because the receiver in each fixture is always powered in "standby" mode looking for the signal.  Took them back and was told by Costco that everyone was having this problem and returning them.  They no longer carry them.

Maybe these LED’s use a different technology for seeking the signal which doesn’t run down the batteries but I think I’ll wait for a report on the Forum regarding the actual battery life of these LED's before I buy any.

Bill 

Like everything else...Time brings new stuff for our hobby. They are pretty neat lights, but I also strung up 2 sets of white rope lites when I built my layout last year. Plenty of balanced light all the way around the layout.

Good idea though.

Brian

Alex,

   Thanks again for the idea, I believe I will give them a try and see how they work, for that price I will definitely give them a run.

PCRR/Dave

alex,

did you have any trouble getting them to stick to unfinished plywood?  

I like these! Dirt cheap.

I bought some on Ebay. Will give them a try.

Hi Forest

No trouble at all, just pushed them against the plywood held it for 15 to 20 seconds and they

were very secure. In fact i went under the layout earlier today and they are all in place

Alex

a warning.

i ordered 4 from amazon, they were sold by HiRez in KY.

all four boxes had been previously opened.  one had a loose gasket around the battery compartment and one was missing battery cover screws.

am sending 2 back.  should probably send all 4.

Nice lights!

If battery life is an issue, these would easily be wired with a cheap DCadapter to eliminate the batteries.... just a few $$$$.

Ed

Wow, you got that 50 was the great ole days.  I use a head lamp all the time to assist my vision... and a magnifying glass is standard.