Lighting options for miniature village

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DaveC426913
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TL;DR Summary
Looking for lighting advice for the houses in a (O-gauge) miniature village
I've been workng on "Storybook"-style Houses for a wooden miniature village I'm building for my wife. They are approximately 1/48th-1/35th scale. There will be several in the village.

I plan to light them internally, but I only need one light in each. I will cover the windows in translucent paper so you just see the glow from within.

I'm debating on what kind of lighting to use. Simplest would be little 4watt Night Lights, plugged into 110v extension cords run in the back of each house. But I wonder if it would be better to go for something safer, like in the 12v range, and maybe I can run all lights off one cord. (I guess I could use a string of old Christmas lights, with one bulb in each house.)

Suggestions?

House 1.jpg
 
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Get a 5 metre roll of warm white LEDs. $5.00 / metre.
"5M/16.4ft 320 COB LED Strip Lights, 8mm, 6000 Lumens Warm & Cold White Lighting 12V Bedroom Decoration Lamp String"

Cut the 5 m strip into small groups, there are solder pads provided along the strip where you should cut. Run a low_voltage distribution, 12 V, with buried twisted pair wires.
 
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Look to the model railroading hobby.
Screenshot 2024-02-15 at 7.22.13 PM.png


They have lots of products and lots of little houses to put them into.
I would think that low voltage LEDs would be the modern approach.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
TL;DR Summary: Looking for lighting advice for the houses in a (O-gauge) miniature village

I've been workng on "Storybook"-style Houses for a wooden miniature village I'm building for my wife. They are approximately 1/48th-1/35th scale. There will be several in the village.

I plan to light them internally, but I only need one light in each. I will cover the windows in translucent paper so you just see the glow from within.

I'm debating on what kind of lighting to use. Simplest would be little 4watt Night Lights, plugged into 110v extension cords run in the back of each house. But I wonder if it would be better to go for something safer, like in the 12v range, and maybe I can run all lights off one cord. (I guess I could use a string of old Christmas lights, with one bulb in each house.)

Suggestions?
Aesthetically, redder lighting looks more olde worlde, magical. 2000-3000 K LEDs

https://insights.regencysupply.com/...ct-and-how-do-you-choose-it-for-your-lighting

1708090618837.png
 
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BillTre said:
Look to the model railroading hobby.
I think that would be the simplest solution, with the widest possible variations.
But if DIY is required, then I would check up on LED 'filaments': they are meant to replace incandescent lamps, with plenty of 'warmth' variations...
Also, without that disturbing 'pointiness' of regular LEDs.
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/s330529193385665136_p196_i4_w997-jpg.318754/



Ps.: there are flexible ones too, these days...
-chip-2200k-the-pi-hut-fit0812-30154935730371_700x.jpg
 
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FAQ: Lighting options for miniature village

What are the best types of lights for a miniature village?

The best types of lights for a miniature village are LED lights, as they are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and produce less heat. Other options include battery-operated lights for flexibility and fiber optic lights for a unique effect.

How do I power the lights in my miniature village?

You can power the lights in your miniature village using battery packs, USB power sources, or plug-in adapters. Battery packs offer portability, while USB and plug-in adapters provide continuous power without the need for frequent battery changes.

How can I hide the wiring in my miniature village?

To hide the wiring in your miniature village, you can run the wires under the base, through hollow structures, or conceal them with landscaping elements like bushes, trees, and pathways. Using thin, flexible wires also helps to minimize their visibility.

Can I use solar-powered lights for my miniature village?

Yes, solar-powered lights can be used for a miniature village, especially if it is placed outdoors. These lights have small solar panels that can be positioned to receive sunlight during the day and provide illumination at night. However, their brightness and duration may vary based on the amount of sunlight received.

What are some creative lighting effects I can use in my miniature village?

Some creative lighting effects for a miniature village include using flickering LED lights to simulate fireplaces or lanterns, color-changing lights for a festive atmosphere, and fiber optic lights to create starry skies or glowing water features. Combining different types of lights can add depth and realism to your display.

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