Below as can be seen, there is a great variation in ‘white light’.
Lamps and bulbs will usually have their K value listed on the packaging.
The K Values of Light
| Colour Temperature (K) | Description |
|---|---|
| 6,500-7000 | Daylight, overcast sky at noon. |
| 6500 | Sunlight with blue/white sky |
| 5,740 | Average noon summer sun |
| 5,600 | Standard outdoor “white light” |
| 5,500 | Photographic white |
| 5,070 | Average noon winter sun |
| 5,000 | Outdoor light for most of the day |
|
4,500 |
Late afternoon sun |
|
3,500 |
Sun 1 hour after sunrise |
|
3,200-3,400 |
Photo flood – standard indoor “white light” studio lights |
|
3,000 |
1000 watt incandescent Tungsten halogen lamp |
|
2,870 |
100 watt incandescent light bulb |
|
2,800-2,500 |
Standard house lights |
|
2,000-2,500 |
Dawn or dusk |
|
2,000 |
Sunlight at sunrise or sunset |
|
1,900 |
Candle flame |
Lastly, performance.
The set, presentation and lighting cover the issues of a static layout – but as soon as we have movement, the onus is on the operation and performance to maintain and enhance the illusion that you have crafted. It is pointless building scenic perfection and then operating it like a toy – it ceases to be believable. In Theatre we call it ‘acting’. With model railways it means starting and stopping smoothly, gently and realistically. You never get any comments saying ‘ooh, isn’t that operated well…’ – people say instead – what a good layout – isn’t that lovely…. without realising that the good operation has even taken place. However, operate a beautifully made model like a toy, and you’ll notice a few people turn away….
Denton Brook Photos by Martin Coombs
