The layout is located in a spare bedroom, approximate size of room is 12 x 14 feet, The layout is a"shelf" design running around the walls of this room. The windows and doors represent a challenge in that they have to be "bridged" to allow the trains to run all the way around.Vertically the layout room consists of, from floor up: table, workbench, desk, storage shelving up to approx. 30" height. Next would be a clearance of between 18-24" for access, storage and head clearance when sitting at desk/workbench. Then the Layout "shelf " at generally 46" +/-height. There are some track grade and elevation changes of a few inches for visual separation and interest on layout
The terrain features vary from flat, coastal, industrial, to mountainous. The backdrop space is 2'-0" high. Above this is a Light box with lighting to simulate day to night conditions utilizing white, red/orange and blue lights on dimmers. The light box runs around the room following contours of the layout for the most part. The top of the light box serves as a light mounting and containment platform (underside) and a display and storage shelf (top side).
To the right a "daytime" scene of the industrial area. To left: A night time scene of the industrial area, using blue lights in light box onlyThere are, for the most part, no sharp right angles or corners on layout front or light box face to serve as a visually smooth"guide" around the layout, creating a sense of flow and continuity that make the layout appear as much larger visually. The track plan also tries to avoid a rectilinear/parallel appearance, utilizing curves and straight track that does not parallel walls where practical.
Use of mirrors to give illusion of a continuing railroad beyond wall.Careful placement and attention to angles, using the old "eyeballing" method helps align mirror to track. The mirrors are held in place with some dabs from a hot-glue gun. The mirrors need to be cleaned to make the effect perfect, but do help to show the "surface" and location of mirrors. The effect is surprising and startling and fun for those who's curiosity compels them to look into the tunnel.
Below are cropped views of the backdrops I painted along the "Mountain Division" in full moon light (left and right) and in the center, a dusk view of Mount Mc Adams in the distance.
Below are cropped views of the backdrops I painted along the "Mountain Division" in full moon light (left and right) and in the center, a dusk view of Mount Mc Adams in the distance.
The bottom of photo's also show "nearer" backdrop "cutouts" applied in several spaced layers of high quality artists matt board, primed and painted to enhance a 3-D effect and illusion of distance. The matt board can be easily manipulated and cut to represent contours and trees in the distance.................Details of "cut -outs" will be shown explained and added in near future..............*****MORE TO COME*****
