LED lights are ideal for use on model railroad layouts and are generally easier to fit than filament lights (incandescent lights). LED’s don’t get as hot, so pose less of a fire risk and are less likely to break than glass lamps. Filament lights however do emit a more natural light. LED’s use less power and can burnout without a resistor to reduce the current.

The major disadvantage is that LED lights can only be connected one way round when using Directional Current (DC). LED’s work with a small amount of current so can be used with batteries and are perfect if a large number of lights are required.

Some model railroaders connect LED’s to an Alternating Current (AC) power supply, but the LED will only light when the current is the correct way round. The LED will turn off and on at the frequency of the AC power supply.

LED’s are available in a range of shapes (rectangular, square, round, and triangular), a range of sizes and colors. LED’s are ideal for building railway signals, railway crossing lights, street lights and inside buildings etc.