The first step is to cut the lighting strip into 3 sections for the upper level:
As described previously, I made all the connections across the 3 sections:
For the connections to the lower level, I decided to use connectors instead of longer soldered wires. It's a bit of a test since it would be more convenient, but the wires and connectors take more space, so potentially more visible from the exterior. Also, in my previous post, I used the very thin wires, but one of them actually broke from the soldering ...
In my previous attempt, I managed to only use double-sided tape to position the lighting strip on the lower level. This time around, it turned out to be more difficult, likely because of the larger wires soldered on the strip. I found myself to use super glue ... not ideal!
After a full day to cure, the result seems acceptable - obviously hoping I will never have to change it ...
Connecting the connectors was easy on one side and a bit more challenging on the other side. I should have left a bit more length to make the connection easier.
So, everything seems to work. Time to close up everything! And here, I got two issues:
- It's still very tight on the upper level with the wires and the seats. I had to remove one of the seats from the ends where there are 3 seats next to each other. I doubt we'll be able to see anything from the exterior
- On each end, we can see a big plastic rectangle - probably toilers and something else. Those actually go up all the way to the ceiling and were pushing against the lighting strip. So I could either move the strip or whittle down this plastic block a little bit. I chose that option 😁
Here are the supplies I used:
- ESU Lighting Strips "Yellow" - reference 50709
- 1.25mm 2 Pin Micro connectors - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013JRWCBU/
- 30 Gauge Silicone Wire - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M70EDCW/
After updating the decoder configuration, it's done and working. Quite happy with the outcome since we cannot really see any of the wires or connectors:
