Lighting from the Prolight Concepts Group’s LEDJ range was used for a unique temporary installation at the end of last year. The ‘Train of Lights’ was a fully functioning steam train in Devon, filled and decorated with 100s of different types of lighting, including the Spectra exterior fixtures from LEDJ.
Offering a unique festive experience throughout December, this truly spectacular illuminated journey started at Queen’s Park Station, Paignton, where visitors boarded the steam train that had vintage carriages decorated with thousands of lights. After a short journey they arrived at Churston Station where the dazzling show began with the train travelling through a 450-metre technicolour Greenway tunnel. This lead on to an enchanted forest which was transformed by a multitude of lights and feature displays. The breath-taking show ended as the train left the forest and passengers could see twinkling lights reflected on the river Dart. After a quick turnaround at Kingswear, guests were on their way back to Paignton to experience the spectacle from a different direction.
Plymouth-based PL1 Events was the company chosen to create this unique lighting installation, which is believed to be a first in the UK – if not the world! Not only did they illuminate a moving train, they also designed and installed the lighting for the stations and along the rail track for the journey.
With many different types of lighting utilised throughout, LEDJ’s Spectra Par series played a key role. In fact, an impressive 160 Spectra Pars and Floods were rigged to the underside of the steam train’s 10 carriages which were all DMX controlled via QLab. These IP-rated exterior fixtures are both compact and robust making them ideal for this type of installation.
With 18 x 3W tri-colour LEDs (RGB) and a 40° beam angle, the LEDJ Spectra Floods are perfect for feature lighting, providing colour wash effects to the outside of buildings, signage and façades as well as many other exterior applications. Simple daisy chain connection of power and DMX means that both installation time and cost is reduced.
The Spectra Par 15Q8 features 15 x 8W quad-colour LEDs, delivering a smooth wash of colour, ranging from intense, rich saturated hues through to pastel shades. The silent running, convection cooled heavy-duty alloy enclosure features IP65-rated connectors for both DMX and mains input/output.
Mark Buckingham, PL1 Events Managing Director and ‘Train of Lights’ Lighting Designer said: “This was a massive undertaking for the PL1 Events Team as they illuminated the entire route from Churston Station right though to Dartmouth and back. As well as lighting the stations, the beautiful forests and breath-taking scenery in a blaze of Christmas themed light, there was also a host of magical illuminated surprises within the forest along the route. All-in-all we used well over a thousand lightbulbs and miles of cable!”