Lighting help for oo gauge….

[OzzyOzborne]

I have almost go my layout completed but would like to install some lighting…….across the layout,not in trains yet. Street ,countryside and depot lighting to start with. Just the basic lampposts etc….
As I am a complete novice in most electrical topics I’m looking for some very basic guidance and advice as to what to do.
I have seen the just plug kit but looks very expensive…..
All help appreciated!

[End2end]

I don't use grain of wheat bulbs so....
12v power source, 2 wires under the layout for everything to connect to (lighting Bus), LED's, 1K Ohm resister on the positive leg of EACH LED.

You may want to try using a higher rated resistor to reduce the LEDs more if they are too bright.
Simple and easy.
Thanks
End2end

[Tigcraft]

Having it on a timer even when not in use would look dramatic.

[pete12345]

Miniature bulbs are obsolete- LEDs are vastly superior and are the way to go. You want 'warm white' for most applications as these replicate a conventional bulb. Older street lamps need a yellow bulb though for that distinct colour of sodium lamps. For houses, it's unrealistic to have every window lit up. Fit partitions inside each building or otherwise mask the unlit windows and have lights on in just a few rooms. Illuminated signs and other such things can be a bit of a gimmick, but do look good when used sparingly and not obviously for the sake of it.

As said, fit a resistor to each LED to control the current and set the brightness. It may be worth having a few separate lighting circuits with their own switches rather than having them all on one circuit- it's up to you and depends on what you want.

[End2end]

It may be worth having a few separate lighting circuits with their own switches rather than having them all on one circuit

This is what I have done. I actually have 2 x 12v bus's. One for the rear of the layout and one for the front.
I also have remote control inline dimmers so I can dim the whole circuit. - https://tinyurl.com/leddimmerforOzzy
Thanks
End2end

[pete12345]

On the subject of dimmers: The ambient lighting for the layout needs to be controllable too in order to make the scenic lighting really "work". Have some overhead lamps to replicate natural daylight, and then you can gradually dim them down as the operation approaches the "evening" and the individual layout lighting starts to come on.