Super Simple Coach Lighting for DC and DCC! Train-Tech TTCL1 Automatic Coach Lights fitting guide

Today Jenny take a look at the super simple to use, battery-powered coach lighting system from Train-Tech. It works on both DC and DCC, uses motion controls and just works!
If you like the look of these lights, here's a link to get some for yourself: bit.ly/42fZClp
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[@tenterdentown2452]

The claim a little battery like this would last 10 years is wildly optimistic! It would be better if the battery fitted underneath the coach. Thanks for uploading.

[@peterbradford5987]

I have one in my coach and it 11 years old now.

[@stevejh6630]

I thought these we're a really neat idea, especially as no fiddly soldering required, and fitted them to three coaches. However, the fact that my layout is in a shed, and the baseboards are fixed to the walls, every time I opened or closed the shed door, the lights would trigger! Batteries now flat and I haven't bothered to fight the bodies off yet again 😂 Would now prefer a switch magnet arrangement...

[@briansimpson4293]

Have a look at Layouts 4u coach lighting kit. They are battery operated and controlled by a Reed switch (supplied) fitted in the coach roof when fitting the lights, they are switched on-off by running a magnet on top of the coach roof. I have fitted 12 bachman mk1 coaches and work great. So simple to use.

[@johngibson4641]

Hi Jenny ,, I have found that using the larger handled screwdrivers are the best way to undo these small screws (even the tight and hard to undo ones) is to use the screwdrivers with the thicker handle as they give you more grip and better and harder screw driving properties to get the screws in and out much easier. I started with the small steel ones like you are using and were working but were not the best at undoing the screws like you had there on your video. My family bought me a new set of screwdrivers for small items like trains and modeling with the bigger handles for xmas 2 years ago and they have been an absolute godsend for undoing screws and putting them back in. The set comes in both phillips head and flat head scrivers and go from big to small in 5 stages each so 10 all up. The brand I have here is Toolpro and is bought at our local Bunnings (big Australia wide hardware shops). What a great idea the lighting is and depending on price I will be putting them in all of my coaches so i can do some night time running as i plan to do. Thanks for the informative video & very muchly appreciated. Cheers from John in Australia.

[@phil36310]

Wonderful to change the batterie every so hours ! The only solution with batterie lighting is to make an easy access batterie holder under the coach. DIY for less hassle and less money and it also works... even better !

[@jamesgilbart2672]

Interesting product. I have used 12v LED lighting strip that comes on a roll (with a 4K resistor to keep the light levels and power consumption down) and works with DCC or DC power. This method is cheaper than the Train Tech product but it doesn't have a motion sensor and needs pick ups on the wheels.

[@bulleidboy1]

Useful video Jenny. I have used various types (makes) of coach lighting. The biggest problem is that very many coaches have the compartment partition fitted flush with the roof. As you suggested, a slot needs cutting, which although relatively easy to do, can leave a messy finish at the top of the partition. I have also found that thin double sided tape to be the best method of attaching the light bar to the roof. The latest Bachmann Bulleid coaches actually have a power-takeoff on one the bogies and a slot already in the partition, so power can be taken directly from the track to the light bar - with a suitable resistor fitted - again all very simple.

[@briansimpson4293]

I have had these for quite a while now , very sensitive to movement, takes about 4 minutes to go out. Fitted using black tac. But I prefer the coach lighting from Layouts 4 U. Also battery operated with a reed switch inserted on the coach roof along with the lighting to turn on - off by running a magnet along the coach roof also alot cheaper and better.

[@jonharbour9166]

Have to admit I agree - the Layouts4U kits work well and are significantly less expensive. Currently I use the magnetic wrist strap of my watch to switch on and off, but I envisage a gantry at either end of a fiddle yard to switch the coach lights on and off. I fitted four sets to some Hornby Bow Ended Collett non-corridors. Tiny little bit of soldering needed to hook everything up, but not difficult at all.

[@mikeking2539]

I'll check out layouts 4 U to see their prices v the price of the one shown here!

[@CAshleyMoss]

Hi Jen. I was very pleased to see this video and it’s clearly a much simpler solution than Everard Junction’s, although his displayed exemplary skill as always. As others have commented, however, the cost is eye-watering for anyone wanting to fit a rake of coaches!

[@davidcurrie8429]

Hi Jenny, The lighting kit looks very good and easy to fit, the motion sensing is a great idea however they would be constantly on while in transit to an exhibition? One point worth noting when re-fitting self tapping screws is to back the screw up until you feel it drop into the thread it's cut, otherwise you can cut another thread which eventually results in a screw sized hole with no thread. Regards, David.

[@michaeltrotman6960]

This is a great idea

[@mooglesmodelrailways]

Nice and they do an N gauge version too. I definitely think the retro fit aspect of these will appeal to owners of much older coaches. I'm thinking Mainline, Airfix, Lima etc. Pre 1990's products basically. Good review Jenny

[@steamsearcher]

So lovely to meet up with you in person at Alexander Palace a few hours ago Posing with a SHOVEL on the Modelu Stand. A very interesting process. :ove David and Lily. Reading Society of Model Engineers.

[@nevilletaylor2668]

Hi Jenny. I use these carriage lighting strip's I choose Warm White as my coaches are steam era of the 50's and 60's. Neville

[@nigeljohnson8022]

These look like an amazing solution. The only criticism is the price. I have retro fitted a couple of rakes on my Newcastle Central layout, both with 8 coaches plus. These are magnetic switch coin battery operated at a fraction of the price. The only plus to these which I really like is the motion sensing to switch them on, but I just couldn't justify the outlay. Excellent review as always, keep them coming.

[@DJ_K666]

Somewhere (don't ask me where) I have some printed interior decoration for mk1 stocvk. I have BSK and a CK one. That might be worth looking into if you light up the interior and put passengers in. Personally I would do them rake by rake otherwise they'd look more than a little bit strange. These lighting strips are great though aren't they...

[@F40Sean]

What a great product. I model 1944 so can’t fit them unfortunately (blackout and all that) but if I build another I’ll use them for sure.

[@edsutherland8266]

These looks great! Great video as always, thanks!

[@jackscott3728]

Thanks Jennifer that's very helpful.

[@clintbrownfield6141]

i have a couple and they are great and easy to fit as i'm not tech minded the only downside is the price can work out pricey

[@MistaMatthews]

I bought a few of these but found them to be overly sensitive. Passing trains or even just walking past the layout triggers them.

[@UnfiedChamp]

Looks easy to fit but what is the price and how long does the battery last

[@eisenbau]

Nice idea, but expensive and a faff to change the battery. Not sure they would be long enough for a 300mm long coach?

[@randytaylor1258]

How long are the strips?

[@clivengauge]

Hi very good video can you use them in n gauge coach or is battery to big thank you 👍

[@Xantec]

i remember Graham Farish Mk2, 3 and 4 coaches never featured interior details

[@ianstransporthistorystuff8175]

Great video , and going to have to get some of these.

[@mels1811]

Excellent video

[@fatwalletboy2]

Id like to see more comprehensive strips to cater for toilets vestibules guards and passengers compartments corridors buffet bars etc these look fine for very generic centre coach lighting but its hard to see past the superb standard of lighting from bachmann and accurascale to give an authentic look. Seems pricey for what you get too and doesnt offer a better or lower cost option for say buying a Bachmann Mk2f without dcc on board over one with. If anything it might come out slightly more expensive.

[@michaelbenton4117]

Hello Jennifer, I have used several of these on my coaches. They are good ,I would fit them to all my coaches, but some coaches are not so easy to dismantle.

[@johnchild5246]

Just a sugestion a pair of surical gloves helps with keeping finger marks off the coach and also when the screw driver slips the depth of penetration into the fingers isn't quiet as far.

[@adewhite3921]

They are good, but how sensitive are they. I have a couple of motion sound units and even though the loco isn't moving, as soon as another loco and coaches go past, it sets off the sound unit which is a nuisance. Will these lights keep coming on when another train goes past.

[@randytaylor1258]

Prototypical lighting has a different colour depending on the light source -- gas, oil, electric strips, etc. This all seems so simple -- are we going to get different colour lighting to match the modelling era?

[@1tonyboat]

i have used the bright white led strips and then use a dilluted yellow acrylic paint to get the shade i like ,,, never failed yet

[@gerrybvr]

They have warm white to mimic older lamps and cool white for fluorescent lighting. Some have a flicker effect too. Follow the link Jenny provided above for details.

[@hamshackleton]

I've used traintech products before - but not this one. One query as the motion-sensng circuit is always on, even when the lights are off, how long will the battery last - imagine a rake parked in the fiddle-yard, and doesn't move for a year - will the battery still be 'live'?

[@clintbrownfield6141]

at the moment the battery i'm using has been in it for 18 months still going strong

[@1tonyboat]

The lights go out after approx 4 mins,, because there is no movement the circuit is dead..no drain on the battery,same as the FRED`s and the batteries in these have never been changed (i`ve had them for 7 years )

[@pim1234]

Whould it fit in n-scale ?

[@madformorgan7848]

Great video, however, at £20 each and rakes of 7 coaches each on my trains, £140 a train is a tad expensive.

[@nigelnewby5028]

Thanks for the review but they are ridiculously expensive.

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

If I Try A Project Like This It Would Be Junk, Everything I Touch, Usually Turns To Putty.

[@User-3O3]

:)

[@violinstar5948]

Hi 😁. Can we fit one of these to the bottom of a Yellow Network Rail Rail Check coach? I really want the bottom of my test train to light up 💡 🚊