Shadowbox on a one level layout, suggestions please

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m building a test module right now and I need some suggestions when it comes to lighting. I really love the shadowbox look like in this photo from Joe Fugate’s excellent Siskiyou Line:


How do I build my one level freestanding benchwork (L-girder) to support the valance and lights?

2

the valance and lights are usually attached to the ceiling , which is maybe not quite obvious in Joe’s photo

3

I know that he attached it to the ceiling but I can’t do that. So what can I do instead?

4

Extend the crossmembers out of the back of your layout and install vertical studs behind your backdrop to support a ceiling over your module.

You will have to extend the studs up higher than the ceiling so you can add a diagonal brace from the top of the stud to the front of the ceiling panel. (If you look at it from the end of the module, the stud, ceiling panel and diagonal brace will look like the number “4”.) Otherwise, your ceiling panel will eventually sag. Use light-weight material for the ceiling construction.

Hope that works for you.

Darrell, quiet…for now

5

electrolove

Take a look at Harold’s Pacific Coast Airline Railway (http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/lighting/). He has some techniques you might want to use in lighting his 4x8 layout. Highly recommended.

Fred Wright

6

  1. Build it like a Stage with sides, framework top, etc.

  2. Ask Joe

7

One of the beauties of the shadowbox design is there’s lots of room above the track on a single-level layout for bracing – and all you need to support are some lights and a valance. The valance can even be foam core painted black on the outside, and white on the backside – and foamcore is extremely lightweight. You can even put it up with velcro.

BTW, I’m heavily involved in the local Pacific Northwest Region convention this week, showing my layout, hosting a guest op session as part of the convention, giving clinics, etc … so I won’t be online from tomorrow, Monday July 31 to Monday August 7th. You’ll hear from me again in about a week.

I haven’t dropped off the planet … I’m just going to be very, very busy this week … doing trains! [swg]