Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a current subscriber to the Dwarvin newsletter, you will have received an email from Trainz.com giving you the option to opt in or opt out of further emails.

Your points will remain valid on the Dwarvin website. At a future point, we may fold the Dwarvin website into Trainz.com, at which point you will have the option to enroll in the Trainz Rewards points program.

About 13 of the 1.5mm diameter fibers can be used with one Lamplighter™ 1 box, and close to 30 in the Lamplighter 2 box.

About 28 of the 1.0mm diameter fibers can be used with one Lamplighter™ 1 box, and 60 in the Lamplighter 2 box.

If you are in HO - using 1.5mm diameter fibers you can light up to 13 buildings with 1 fiber each using the Lamplighter™ 1 box, or 26 with the 2 box. If you are in N scale - using 1.0mm fibers you can light 28 buildings with 1 fiber each using the Lamplighter™ 1 box, or 60 with the 2 box.

This depends on the diameter of the Fiber that is used with the Dwarvin Street Lights.  Almost all of the N and HO scale lamps use 1mm diameter fiber.  All the O scale lamps use 1.5mm fiber.  Refer to the answer above as to how many of these fibers can be used with one Lamplighter 1 or 2 box, if no other fibers are being used with that same box. 

Usually calculate a 3foot / 1 meter run between the location of the Lamplighter 1 or 2 box and the structure to be lit.  Clearly what you need will depend on your layout and its compactness.

You can run many feet of fiber.  Typically we sell the fibers in bundles of 30feet.  You can visually check the amount of light from an intact role of fiber and see that there is very little loss of light over that distance. 

Yes, by moving the FOC to different depths within the Lamplighter 1 box the light intensity will be varied.

Yes, use boiling water. To see a technique that works, go to https://www.dwarvin.com/blogs/stories/bending-fibers

The most cost effective solution is to translucent paint (say from Tamiya) onto the end of the FOC inside a building.  Alternatively, colored markers a transparent cellophane can be used at the end of a fiber.  

Yes, there are a number of ways to do this, including our Fiber Connecting Kits   Please see the video as to how to use these, as well as the article "Fiber Connectors for Hobbyists Made Simple"

To make a flood light is quite straightforward.  Push the end of the fiber very very briefly over a flame.  That will cause the end of it to melt slightly and form a convex shape which will give you the desired effect.  So, if starting with a 1.5mm diameter fiber, the end needs to be expanded the heated end it to about 2.3 or 2.4mm diameter.  This will cause it to function more as a flood light.

Remove the Fibers that have been inserted into the Lamplighter box and use the blunt end of a standard pencil to open up the fronds of the ferrel at the entrance to the box.  Insert the pencil about 1” only, so as to not damage the internal optics.  This should allow many more Fibers to be inserted. 

The Lampllghter has a grommet at the place where you insert the fibers.  This will grab the fibers and hold them in there tightly.  

Yes, as the power supply is compatible with both 110 and 240V.  However, an adapter will be needed if using the supply supplied with the Lamplighter 1 box.

The Lamplighter 1 & 2 products will operate flawlessly using the optional power adapter or with any AC or DC accessory voltage you have available, providing it produces more than 9 volts ( greater than 0.6Amps).

No, there is no detectable light loss.

The unit is designed for ruggedness - I used to work in the Medical Industry and if you learn one thing, it is ruggedness is critical when designing products.  The internal design has been engineered the same way - the optics are all aligned in such a way that they are locked in place.  Also, using an Aluminum housing means it can be dropped without any damage to the box cosmetically, and to the interior. 

The “bulb” is a very high intensity LED that is used for car light bulbs.  It has a lifetime rating of 22,500 hours.  The problem with many home LED lights is the temperature they are allowed to reach.  The hotter they get, the shorter the lifespan, which is true of all electronics.  So, part of the critical design of the Lamplighter™ product is to keep the temperature low inside the box using heat sinks.  It is designed so that the LED temperature does not exceed 40 to 45C (just above body temperature), so as to assure LED longevity.

Here are some methods:

• Over Door Lighting: Create modern over-door lights by using plastic C channels to conceal the ends of 1mm fibers. Drill 1mm holes through the building walls and insert the fibers so they slightly protrude, then shield them with the C channels.
• Interior Illumination: Use a combination of end-glow fibers and side nicks to distribute light subtly across various windows. Nicking the fiber allows light to leak out, providing a gentle glow. To prevent unwanted light leakage, apply a dull coat behind the windows and cover some strands with heat shrink tubing.
• Signage Lighting: Illuminate signs by attaching multiple strands of 1.5mm fiber to the back of a clear material like Lexan. Nick the fibers in several places to allow light to disperse through the sign, enhancing its visibility.

For a detailed guide, visit this article on Creative Lighting by Steve Juranics.

Dim or uneven lighting may occur if the fiber ends inside the Lamplighter are not properly aligned with the light source. To fix this, ensure the fibers are trimmed evenly and securely seated against the light source. For more detailed troubleshooting steps, visit our guide on Fibers Inside the Lamplighter May Give Uneven Lighting.