Dramatic Lighting For The Model Railroad | Boomer Diorama ~ # 221

Installing a few simple LED lights can add dramatic effects to your growing model railroad. Thank you to all my current subscribers and super thanks donations! ~ Boomer.
KZbin Audio Library Music
DISCLAIMER: I pay for all the products and materials I use in this video content, unless otherwise stated. I do not receive any affiliate sponsorship, fees, funds, support, or gifts from company products, and/or any other companies, (unless otherwise stated). I only endorse products for the benefit of the community and my own personal use, apart from indicated sponsors.

[@smudgey1kenobey]

Dusty did an amazing job on this. If I only saw the the part where train pulled up to the warehouse, I’d think the scene was real world. You must love working for that cat, you seem to have picked up a good deal of knowledge from him.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . Cheers!😁

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, amazing lighting effects. Lights really do give you another dimension to your layout. Night is part of the real world. Thank you for sharing, just so inspirational. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

The night ops is a nice option when I want to change up a bit. SRY Rail Link conducts a lot of their ops at night as well. ;-)

[@JeffRichBLET129]

I started my layout planning built around lighting. I used to tell new people at the railroad that I've spent most of my career backing up in the dark so it was important to me gathering ideas to make night moves and vignettes as visually important as daytime.

[@boomerdiorama]

It sure looks awesome live! ;-)

[@205004gs]

The brewery lighting is just as we imagined it would be, fantastic!

[@boomerdiorama]

It feels cool now and I can call this spot finished.

[@MilwaukeeNW]

Your lighting looks fantastic! I love the way you leads us through the various projects you've done all of which have quite a realistic look.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The goal is to complete the first two buildings (with lighting) right now. It's amazing how a few lights can inspire the build passion as well. Cheers ~ Boomer. 😉

[@donwhead]

I had the pleasure of visiting a layout that was incredibly well detailed and built with night operations in mind, and when they switched to nighttime, I nearly cried at how beautiful it was. I haven't used the Just Plug system as I thought I could easily roll my own lighting setup, but I think I'm leaning towards adopting the saying, "If it's good enough for Boomer, it's good enough for me." Sometimes it's just not worth the effort to spend all that time recreating the wheel on something you can just pick up at the store; I'd honestly rather spend my time running trains. =)

[@boomerdiorama]

I understand why people love the electrical side of model railroading. I really do, because it can be quite involved and the rewards are cool. Like you say, I would rather spend time "working on the railroad and running trains." as well. The nice thing about (Just Plug) is the ease of installation and you can test things easily on the bench as well. Cheers and thanks for taking the time to share. ~ Boomer.

[@Mrmadypossum]

Would love to see an episode on the shadow box lighting. Looks good with the blue moon light effect

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the suggestion. In the meantime, the shadow box lighting is quite simple. They are LEDs mounted behind the upper valance in the hood frame. I have plans for additional puck-lights that have dimming feature this summer.

[@davidcurtis5398]

From a former pro photog that knows how rough lighting can be, your's looks great!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yeah. Video is always a challenge when it comes to lighting eh?

[@sammym.belfastchild]

Very nice Boomer , it totally pulls the scene together for night ops and videos . Cheers Boomer , another great milestone for river road , thanks for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks 👍

[@Christiane069]

All you need is to add real sound as you do so well. Perfect.

[@boomerdiorama]

You need good speakers otherwise sound can be "cheesy." ;-)

[@duanewhite3275]

Wow. The subtle lightning is beautiful.

[@boomerdiorama]

It really does look awesome. It is a nice touch if you want a different look and feel to the modeling. The lighting adds a whole new level of immersion.

[@cloverdalerail1093]

Always loved the lighting my father used to light up cabooses with GOW bulbs…..50 years ago

[@boomerdiorama]

Lights are cool indeed!

[@robertrusso6539]

The lighting looks GREAT! ..........................and the "Moonlight Sonata sets the scene! Thanks for sharing all of your all of your great ideas with us!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching!

[@SouthernAlbertaRail]

Fantastic ambiance Boomer. The lighting really adds a different mood to everything and of course 382 looks great in original colours. Brings me back to my childhood riding my bike over to see her working Scott Road Hill. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Those Scale Train SD-38's are awesome units. Fully loaded with ESU (Current Keeper), V5, Full Class lights and illuminated Number Boards as well. I may change out the speaker at some point though. Cheers Grant. Thanks for dropping by as well. ~ Boomer.

[@bobharris5872]

Thank you for another interesting video. The lighting makes for a pleasing scene.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lclarke1959]

Very nicely done and adds a whole other dimension to your layout. I won't say that I love lighting more than model railroading, but would be very sad without it. I had a city scene diorama with close to 200 lights. My end of day wind down routine was to just sit and look at it for some 20 minutes before bedtime.

[@boomerdiorama]

Well said!

[@benoitevellin8796]

+1 on setting up lighting. I work from my train room (well, it is officially my home office but...) and having multiple lighting options allow me to concentrate better, changing the mood of the room, etc.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for doing those decals. Andy called me on it. Much appreciated. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@benoitevellin8796]

@@boomerdiorama I'll work on them soon. Andy will keep you posted. :)

[@joesipos2975]

The lighting looks fantastic! Great job. Well done! CHEERS

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks 👍

[@steveedwards9957]

Nice job Boomer, that is soooo cool and incentive enough for me to follow your lead.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to hear it!

[@allenlandis4504]

Let there be light ! Looks great

[@boomerdiorama]

Amen!

[@click4mrh]

Fabulous effect, forgot about the green lenses, gives the scene a cool eerieness.

[@boomerdiorama]

It looks cool!

[@davidwilliams1060]

Thanks. I think you did a great job on the night lighting- a lot in focus and appropriate (inconsequential) parts out of focus. Also, as someone else said, Moonlight Sonata really works.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@KaisDinoAdventures]

Loved this video!!! Happy Sunday & Cheers to a fresh start and a year filled with exciting adventures Like 👍 Have a great 2024 🥰 BIG LIKE

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@contributor7219]

Just gorgeous, the lighting really makes that scene look dreamlike on camera - no doubt it's even more stunning without the filtering effect of the camera. There's something dreamlike about seeing the world in miniature anyway, perhaps our mind's eye doing what it does best. It's sheer joy to see you bring so many years of doing this for stage and screen to your layout. It's a constant inspiration to me to bring more artistic endeavour into my own little part of the railway world. As much as people say Beethoven's Op27 no2 in C# minor is boring, I still love it. As a young girl I started training as a concert pianist before graduating from the Conservatorium, but life and studying for a job as an engineer in the 'real world' got in the way after my dad passed away while I was a teen. Sad though that might perhaps be, he left me with his love of US railways - hence my little piece of the Minnesota Commercial.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. We all need constant inspiration as you say. I find when one focuses in on creating a "signature" scene it tends to have a "Snowball" effect on the rest of the layout. ;-)

[@markham6000]

Thanks for the recent updates and variety... looks great!

[@boomerdiorama]

You bet!

[@bernicemeade3232]

That's nice Lights bring out good detail

[@boomerdiorama]

I think so too!

[@FHollis-gw4cc]

Very, very nice! BTW, most excellent choice of background music!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much! Some people think classical music is boring . . . but oh well. ;-)

[@bobhastings6464]

Hey Boomer A timely video , I have been contemplating some lights on my layout as well. Just got to bite the bullet and get it done. Cheers from Ontario Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome!

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

Love me some Dusty!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty girl . . . ;-)

[@JoshuaEhlen]

“Plug and pray” has never been more relatable for me in the hobby 😂

[@boomerdiorama]

It still is for me, especially when I install decoder boards. ;-)

[@derz-crackmodellbahnvideosinsp]

" 👏👏👏 "...lol

[@chrisd.9513]

Great video as always!! Thanks Boomer!!

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!!

[@user-bf1oc6zt1z]

Greetings From Colorful Colorado WJ. Perhaps Better said "Cold Colorado". It was -5f, -20.5C. Removing the Brewery created a whole new Diorama. It reminded me of a RR on the edge of a Mesa Cliff View of with open sky in the background. (ignoring the slip) My mother played Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata on her piano. I love that piece. The new Brewery lighting is incredible and I love the shot of the light reflecting off of the river' Hope you are well Your faithful student, John

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you John. Cheers ~ Boomer. ;-)

[@thisoldgoat3927]

Dusty said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Inspirational as always, Boomer. Thank you for imparting your knowledge.

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that!

[@schadowolf]

Another great video! Scene is incredible!

[@boomerdiorama]

It finally took shape after two years. ;-)

[@vikingofengland]

As ever, wonderful work.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you.

[@fbrailroad4628]

I also use the plug-and-play system. It may be more money, but it is easy to use. That looks great, Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like "easy to use" ;-)

[@canoeingnav7618]

Looks really great. I wasn't going to do lighting, but you have definitely given me something to think about when I get to that stage of the build. Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

Go for it!

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

I love the lights! I use WS JustPlug too. I made a cool sign, printed on photo paper, and backlit for a roadhouse band, LIVE MUSIC THIS SAT! Still trying to figure out how to do modern era industrial steel pole-mounted lighting. Thanks Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Look into the really small K & S brass and Aluminum tubing. The tubing is round or square. I use it with plastic bezels and whatever LED fits (with resistor) and they look great.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

@@boomerdiorama Oh good advice, thanks man!

[@bobdutka1176]

Great lighting Boomer! Love the lenses. Excellent use of the flats. I don't see them used enough on layouts. Thanks for sharing.👍😀

[@boomerdiorama]

Flats work well with the tighter spaces for sure. Cheers!

[@stevenlitkey9354]

The Mad Mad World of Boomer !! Well done and thought out lighting bring any layout or diorama to a whole new level. Well done sir 👍🏽👍🏽

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@toddnab8309]

Boomer looks great love it ❤ and and the cat Dusty . You inspire me to model that way. Thanks Todd

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome. Thanks for commenting. ;-)

[@adamcboyd]

I use magnet fishing magnets to hold big objects down like that barge to the board. One on each side provides locks to grip and is removable allowing the board to be used for tons more things without having to remove the post in post (Photoshop or whatever). This is assuming your model can fit one in. The step down would be those retrieval magnets at Harbor Freight that are about the side of a card deck. Beyond that, various MM diameter for everything. But I will admit, I have a problem and love it a ton. Even built on steel and painters mixing boards (again HF) that way everything on it can be magnetized to some degree. So yea....magnets. Never have to drill your work again.

[@boomerdiorama]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing. ;-)

[@LeeK-31]

Snuck in that 6 axle surprise at the end! Good content as always.

[@boomerdiorama]

I need a partner for the restored SD-35 (X-Montana Rail Link) unit soon to be finished.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Hi Boomer. Just a note. NCE makes a simple light control module called LiteIt. It can be powered and controlled via the DCC signal on your tracks. You may already know but just in case, there it is. Great video as usual. I hope you're keeping warm.. it's a bit cold up north. 😉

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the info! Deep in snow right now. ;-)

[@stevenstorey1945]

The lighting looks fantastic, Boomer! And, the new yellow locomotive works perfectly. I love the color in that setting. Couldn't be better! And Dusty is doing a very fine job in promoting River Road! Cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@TrainDetailsbyGuss]

Excellent. . .Thank You for sharing your skills.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome. ;-)

[@PostmoderneModelWorks]

Awesome. Some of my favorite pics and videos I’ve taken are just using the structural lights on my layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

They are cool indeed. ;-)

[@TheTrainboard]

Just hope we can quickly learn lighting on our o gauge trainboard. Starting from zero knowledge. Gary

[@wilzdart]

liked the shot of the light hitting the water. I just started using lights on the buildings and well pleased with the results. I take it you will do the back section next?

[@boomerdiorama]

I am working on the rear buildings now to get them done. ;-)

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

That's a real nice touch.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lighting and night ops is a nice change up once in awhile. ;-)

[@JunkyardPhysics]

Well done as usual. Always look forward to your next adventure.

[@boomerdiorama]

I never thought I could have so much fun in four feet. ;-)

[@Knuckleskins]

Gorgeous! And thank you for atriculating so thoughtfully much of the thinking and processes behind this stuff.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lighting is a game changer when it comes to immersion for sure.

[@imahoe591]

@@boomerdiorama Your truly an out standing Craftsmen in your field, Boxcar " Boomer " I'm very impressed, and proud too see how far you have accelerated You truly are # 1 of the best in the World . P,S, My prayers are with you and your beautiful family Stay & Play safe. Xo

[@1Nanerz]

Looks beautiful Boomer. Nice to see a BC Hydro unit on there. Another great thing about smaller layouts. Doesn’t break the bank to change rolling stock and loco eras.

[@boomerdiorama]

Small layouts like this don't include anxiety, or sleepless nights. ;-)

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, love it when a plan comes together! Simply awesome how those green filters slightly change the light aspect. Definitely looks like the large industrial flood lights. In awe for your 1/128” precision. Funny how you added Dusty put the ‘light’ in you!! Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@OtterCreek]

Beautiful!

[@boomerdiorama]

Lights are awesome for sure. Cheers! ;-)

[@jesselomas8626]

Epic video, once more... I have been looking at lighting too, either Walthers, Atlas or WS, for a Wally's Warehouse kit I have...

[@boomerdiorama]

I was apprehensive at first but now I am hooked. When you see them live they take the scene to a new level of immersion. ;-)

[@budjamison2149]

Looking good. I haven't even thought about lights on my layout yet. Plentiful time for that. Always love the Beethovan! Great stuff thanks for sharing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Any time!

[@dimiz218]

Very nice, Boomer! Thanks for sharing!😀👍 - Dimitris

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you too!

[@goforitpainting]

Cool as always. 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you kindly! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@ronvelner6530]

What a lessons to learn, incredible.

[@boomerdiorama]

It's another rabbit hole to go down for sure!

[@mikerubynfs]

I use two switches, one for lights on during the day and one for night time lights. About 150 on my 17' long urban module so far. I use LEDs I wire with resistors, cheaper, and I'm happy doing that.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds awesome! Cheers!

[@mikerubynfs]

@@boomerdiorama I wanted to be able to run the layout at night with no room lights, and I can with these lights. Only the yard lights are bright during day time, the rest are enough to light streets and interiors.

[@jonnybeck6723]

How could anyone watch and not subscribe? The way the lights all bloom on camera is so cool...

[@boomerdiorama]

The option to install lighting is another reason why this hobby is so cool! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@_steffinwolf_]

Wowzers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . night ops. ;-)

[@johnschutt9187]

BEAUTIFUL

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@PeterTillman3]

Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

You are awesome Peter! Thank you ~ Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@DK-nv9zu]

Uh oh. Did River Road just get bit by the lighting bug? J/k I knew you have had some lighting plans for a while now. Yours lookks fantastic! I wired up my grain elevator a few years ago with a couple orange LEDs (to mimic those outdoor sodium lights) from the junk drawer. That little experiment turned into a few hundred LEDs and resistors all across the layout now. My goal is to not have to turn the train room's light on for night ops. Edit: and yes I agree! Lighting a model RR is a whole other world of fun challenges. One not often explored

[@boomerdiorama]

Oh yeah. Bit by the lighting bug for sure. ;-)

[@TheTrainboard]

As a total noob, what you tube channel or book can quickly teach me where to buy and how to use resistors with the correct lights on my o gauge trainboard Gary

[@boomerdiorama]

I just go by the instructions that come with the product . . . and then cross my fingers. I usually consult someone who is smarter than me about electronics and then beg for a hands on tutorial . . . lol. 🤣@@TheTrainboard

[@herrkiwi3110]

Awesome.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks!

[@philluk9639]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You! Much appreciated! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Tracksidebench]

It’s looks very nice

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed, it certainly does. Night ops are cool like the prototype now!

[@FredWilbury]

Boomer that’s just awesome 😊🎉

[@boomerdiorama]

It looked better than I first thought.

[@deanrowland2210]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

You are awesome! Thank you! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@sylwitcha5325]

Amazing!!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks!!

[@perryamicangelo4008]

Another winner! Is the dropping resistor build in to each module? I have been using 1K resistors at 16 volts, and it seems to work well. Give Dusty a little pat on his head......

[@boomerdiorama]

Each light "cable" has a built in resistor up to 24 volts. The old transformers were 16 volts, the new are 24 volts.

[@robedinger8769]

Maestro

[@boomerdiorama]

Time for Cappuccino! . . . ;-)

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Boomer, This look's really good. I take it each light plug's into the light hub seperatly? Could you daisy chain the lights and just use one plug? On a different subject in your modelling travels have you ever used "Tamiya" diorama texture paint? I'm off to watch it again. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@boomerdiorama]

You can daisy chain the modules (up to four), and then ad four more (four-way) expander's as well. Up to 64 separate lights.

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

Like all of your hard work, IT LOOKS AMAZING! Quick question, have you ever used fiber optic for light that you wanted to all stay the same density, would that work in order to save on using so many expansion hubs??? Just curious and I’m not saying curiosity killed the cat, that would be terrible, LOL BTW, I love Dusty as your audience 👍🏻👍🏻😂

[@boomerdiorama]

Used Fiber optics alot in the past. They have their place for sure.

[@VancouverIsland1]

very nice

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks!

[@HartfordWhaler]

I like this post. I’ve been struggling with lights or no lights. This inspires me to do lights. It poses a challenge for block and crossing detectors. Photo cells vs IR detectors. What are your thoughts Boomer?

[@boomerdiorama]

Photo cells won't work well with the lights out.

[@HartfordWhaler]

Agree. Question is, which IR sensors reflect off multiple car types and are immune to overhead LED lighting? Lots of vendors, but it’s confusion finding an optimal system. It’s a big market opportunity for anyone who figures it out.

[@boomerdiorama]

I will probably use track sensors (like NCE BD20) for my signals which are immune to overhead lighting.@@HartfordWhaler

[@HartfordWhaler]

Thanks. I’ll check those out. Probably a better choice than light or IR sensors.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vi

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@PeterTillman3]

Thanks Boomer. I have a bunch of Just Plug lighting modules and LEDs. Very simple to use. Are you using non-Just Plug LEDs?

[@boomerdiorama]

Both. Just make sure you have an appropriate resistor for the transformer you use.

[@PeterTillman3]

@@boomerdiorama thx Boomer

[@RonStanek]

BC HYDRO 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. SRY Rail Link - formerly BC HYDRO. ;-)

[@154Colin]

Could you use a app like Helicon Focus? Or are those only for still photography?

[@boomerdiorama]

I think that program is for "still" photography.

[@154Colin]

ok@@boomerdiorama

[@MachenLand]

i hate being poor and/or having no creative skills..

[@boomerdiorama]

Try stuff . . . 😁

[@presidentxd]

Stupid question. Did you finish the boat?

[@boomerdiorama]

What boat? If you mean the Tug, no. The Ferry, no. The Skiff, yes. Cheers. ;-)

[@presidentxd]

@@boomerdiorama yeah I meant the tug