New way to create water effect with gel light

[cferrara]

In an effort to create moving water effect for my HO scale track, I've been experimenting with a filtered gel box light for my mini pond. The light is projected from underneath the table with two gel filters. I can also control both color and speed of the light. Here's some videos of it in action: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMdhTpZJrQ2/?igshid=235dkesez83z

Has anyone tried this for water effects?

[Terry Toenges]

It is a really cool effect. I don't know how practical it would be on a regular layout unless someone wanted lighted water. I could see me doing something like that on my Christmas layouts.

[cferrara]

Good point and there are ways to dim and reduce the brightness so that it's more of a simple ripple effect. I could also see this work for a waterfall drop as well, especially with a nicely textured rock backdrop-needs to be blended in.

Again, just playing around with it and that's the fun part.

[jward]

I like it. It is certainly better looking than trying to make ripples in the water that don't move. It certainly is an intriguing idea. What does it look like dimmed in daylight?

[Terry Toenges]

A daylight scene with more yellowish tint to make it look like the sun reflecting off the water would probably make it look great.

[cferrara]

Yes and you can also control the colors of the light, but it really comes down to the light gels which are colored sheets that are placed above the light (about 6" clearance). Like most testing projects, there's quite a bit of trial and error to get it right, but I have found it really comes down to the value in the motion effect of the light. Speaking of which, this was the light I used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X1QCYJW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Much more affordable option than doing it from scratch. Not to mention, there is real motion. However, it still requires tweaking, esp. brightness and motion control to get it right.

[Terry Toenges]

You're getting there. Can you get a color that makes it look like sun from the red and green on that? I'm sure a night time scene with moon light would look awesome.

[cferrara]

Agreed and it can do white, red, green and blue but you can also add a yellow tone w/ gels. Ultimately, that is what makes it really work. This short video highlights the undermount light: https://youtu.be/CMuYXPzu4YU

Again, it's all possible and there are many options. I also think there are ways to use mirrors to emulate reflections and other water effects. All the while, having full control over how it works - from water speed, direction and light.

[Piyer]

Gels. Filters. Lighting effects. Welcome to the world of theatre! You might find this company has tools you can use: https://us.rosco.com/en