Details

The scale is HO, location the garage, the footprint is 9' x 9'.  The layout is a U shape with the base of the U against a wall.  Each leg of the U has two 18" sections, and there is a three foot aisle between the legs.  The sections have a view block in between.  Along the back wall (base of the U) is another section.  From the ceiling to the top of the rail is 45".  I have a couple of 2-tube florescent lights which were fine for the previous layout but are going to be re-purposed so I need replacements.  I am leaning towards 4' LED tube lights at about 3000K, located directly above each of the four sections of the legs of the U. 

I am looking for opinions on the light color and how many lumens I am likely to need.

David

LED Shop Lights

I am using what sounds like what you are considering. They are far brighter then the old Florissant style. Start with 2 and put them opposite each other. If you need a 3rd then get another one.

Jack

Light Photo

 Not the greatest photo. The lighting on and above the layout is far brighter in reality. The silver grey thing is the same light fixture that is hanging over the layout. The walls are blue by the way and not grey. So maybe this isn't the best light?

Jack

Thanks, Jack

Please, What are the specs on your lights?  Lumens and color (the K number).  One tube or two?  Is it enough light?  Again, thanks for your response.

Specs

I'm taking this off the Lowes site which is where I bought mine.

It is definitely enough light.

2 tubes

4000K bright white

3800 lumens

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-Strip-4-ft-Shop-Light/1003093616

Jack

Many thanks

Jack, many thanks for the specs!  I had a look around Home Depot, my local big box store, and came away with more questions than I started with.  Long ago I learned not to ask HD employees for more than "Where can I find X?", and even that is often of little help...

  "I had a look around Home

I replaced my layout lighting with Costco LED shop lights, they have two "tubes" and are about 4 feet long. Plenty bright and easy to use, they come ready to hang with cord and off on switch. One big improvement over the old fluorescent lights is these are silent with no buzzing or flickering......DaveB

Thanks, Dave

Any idea of color and lumen output?  I understand there is a lot less UV in the LEDs, too.  Less bleaching of organically colored materials over time is a good thing.

I use a number of 4' LED tube

I use a number of 4' LED tube lights that have short cables that go from one to another. There are various suppliers on Amazon. I use a brand called Barrina and they are available on Amazon. Usually available for between $40 and $50 for six.

Joe

Party Lights

I am going to be using outdoor party lights. I found an extra long set with sockets spaced 2' apart and I will be using 9w LED daylight standard base bulbs. The party lights will be fastened behind the upper level fascia to light the lower level and an upper fascia to light the upper level. I have visited two layouts that used this method with great sucess.

Thanks

Joe, any specs for your lights?  Color, lumens? distance from lights to rail?

GP30, interesting idea.  Easy to swap out bulbs if you don't like their characteristics.  Looks like yours come with handy attachment points, too.

Appreciate your responses.

Party lights

Great idea, the only disadvantage is it’s so hard to hold a throttle and a margarita at the same time.

"Any idea of color and lumen output?"

The Costco lights I have were purchased at various times so might vary a bit but the box for one says 4000 lumens and 4000k color ......DaveB

Thanks, Dave

Dave, that is helpful.

I bought cheap shop light

I bought cheap shop light fixtures at Lowes, then put LED T8 daylight bulbs in them.  If you are on Facebook search Illinois Central Gulf Railroad and you can see some pics.