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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Aug 12, 2024 19:57:31 GMT
In addition to the scratch build projects I've been working on for the RFC train garden, I recently had a chance to do a simple kit bash of the beautiful scratch built model of the RFC train garden building, which was formerly the Rescue Fire Company's station house, to add holiday decorations similar to those displayed over the years on the prototype:  The train garden head guy had already sourced several feet of tiny LED multi-color light chains, with lights spaced every half inch or so (two feet in O gauge), from MTH (available as a replacement part for their light-decorated box car), so all I had to do was hook up a buck converter and set it to less than 3 VDC output, add a 22 ohm current limiting resistor, and carefully hot glue the LED chain in place:  I think it will look even better at night (or in the relatively dim light back on the train garden), but even in daylight the lights add a festive touch to what was already a fine model, and I still have a few more upgrade ideas to explore. |
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Post by atsda on Aug 12, 2024 21:24:58 GMT
Great approach and project. Keep us updated. Alfred
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Post by healey36 on Aug 12, 2024 21:52:35 GMT
That's an outstanding model in it's first rite...adding the lights is a terrific enhancement for the garden. Don't forget the "You Are Here" signage.
I look forward to seeing a full suite of pics come November/December.
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Post by david1 on Aug 12, 2024 22:41:01 GMT
The building is very nice. You have skills that I wish I had.
Dave
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Post by curtis on Aug 12, 2024 23:55:16 GMT
WOW. That is a LOT of Patience!
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Post by Adam on Aug 12, 2024 23:55:52 GMT
Great work! It really looks like the real thing.
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Aug 13, 2024 0:57:21 GMT
WOW. That is a LOT of Patience! Thanks to all for the kind words, but just to be clear, the building *itself* was built years ago by a truly skilled craftsman -- my only contribution to it so far was the addition of holiday lights! I'm currently working on an animated model of the nearby Cambridge Creek bridge, and earlier did my first scratch build of the former train station (also nearby), but in this instance my contribution was much more limited . . . |
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Post by dennym57 on Aug 13, 2024 1:24:37 GMT
That looks great! I've thought about something like that, but not at that level.
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Aug 13, 2024 6:13:00 GMT
Yep, definitely better at night:  Also, the head guy liked the lights, but thinks *more* lights, especially up on the steeple (as in some earlier years -- see below), would be better, and I've also fabricated a flashing and color-changing LED light box behind the bay door windows to simulate the light from the holiday train garden display -- pics of the results later!  |
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Aug 13, 2024 19:08:14 GMT
. . . and here's the fully decorated version, with lights on the steeple and flashing and color changing LEDs behind the bay door windows:
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Aug 14, 2024 19:56:16 GMT
. . . and at night (with repairs done to the broken bits):  [Still working on the "You are HERE!" sign, though!]
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Aug 14, 2024 21:29:31 GMT
Actually . . .  |
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Post by runamuckchuck on Aug 14, 2024 22:03:27 GMT
Where can I place an order?
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Aug 14, 2024 22:43:38 GMT
Where can I place an order? Wish I knew.  The scratch built fire station/train garden model itself was done years ago for the RFC train garden, and has been on display for several years, but the thought was it might benefit from a lighting upgrade. Since the prototype has traditionally been decked out in holiday trim each year (as shown on the train garden's home page), and the head guy had earlier sourced some close-spaced LED chain from MTH (a replacement part for their lighted holiday boxcars), it was a relatively simple matter to drape the chain around the model and add a buck converter to power it. I did also add a few flashing and color changing LEDs behind the bay door windows, and a "You are HERE" sign out front . . . 
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Aug 15, 2024 2:03:33 GMT
BTW, if it wasn't clear from my commentary, I *really* commend the MTH LED chain to your holiday modeling attention. Per the guy who sourced them earlier, they are offered by MTH to replace/repair the holiday lights on their holiday boxcar, and come in a several-feet-long hank of tiny vari-colored LEDs, spaced every half inch or so along two very thin, color coded and varnish insulated wires. The individual LEDs are all connected in parallel, so you can cut the string to any convenient length, scrape the varnish off either end of the wires, and connect them to any 2-3VDC source.
I *did* notice that after three feet or so from the power source, the LEDs got dimmer and dimmer (logical, given the *really* tiny connecting wires!), so it would probably be best to plan multiple short (three feet or less each) sections if you need more than a few feet of lights.
The LED chain easily passed through the two one-eighth inch holes I ended up drilling for them in the structure, and small dabs of hot glue every few inches (or more often, if needed to secure curves or direction changes) proved adequate to hold it securely in place.
The bottom line is that this "replacement part" is a great resource for any holiday kit-bashing you might be able to envision! Enjoy!
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