1. Plan Ahead!

2. See #1

3. The 3 bulb sizes we use most are the grain of rice (12 volt), the fluorette bulb (sort of like a fuse - 12 volt) and the micro bulb (1.5 volt).

4. The fluorette bulb and socket are great for 1/4" room boxes (or tins!). Put them at the front so they can't be seen directly. They provide lots of light for a room scene and they are easily replaceable in case of a burnout.

Notes on fluorettes: We solder our wires (32 gauge, dual conductor) to the fluorette socket eyelets to insure a GOOD AND LASTING connection. Before soldering to the socket, you MUST sand the tabs to get past the chrome finish or the solder won't hold.

5. Grain of rice. This is a multi-purpose bulb that can be made into many types of fixtures. Be aware, though, that they do produce a significant amount of heat. Use in JAF findings or whatever (we have used acorn caps, etc.).

6. Micro bulb. Use this when a small amount of light is needed and/or heat is a concern. Even though they are 1.5 volt, they can be used in a 12 volt system. To use in a 12 volt transformer system, all you have to do is add a 750 ohm resistor to one side of EACH microbulb. If using a 1.5 volt micro bulb in a 12 volt system, one wire from EACH bulb will be connected directly to the power supply. The other wire from EACH bulb will be connected to one side of the 750 ohm resistor then the other side of the resistor will be connected to the 12 volt power supply.

7. Ceiling lights: For 1 story, just run your wire through the ceiling and then to the back. If this is the 1st floor ceiling in a 2 story dwelling, use one piece of wood for the ceiling and make a trench to the rear on the upper side of it for your wire. Install your ceiling light then laminate the 2nd story floor onto the 1st floor ceiling.

8. To splice bulbs together, take one wire from each bulb (caveat for 1.5 micro bulbs) and twist together and then connect to one side of power supply. Do same for other side. I use duct tape for insulating my connections. Plastic electrical tape has a strong tendency to unroll.

9. If doing an 'odd' scene, like a teacup, you can run lamp wires up through the floor and an end table to the lamp. You can also hide wires with strategic foliage or ?

10. Electrification is really not difficult - and it adds so much to a miniature scene.