I am building a shelf layout and want to install fluorescent tubes above the shelf, underneath a second, higher shelf that is used for storage. The layout height is about 52" (48" to floor, plus 2" of shelf platform and 2" of layout) and the second shelf is 72" off the ground–so the distance from fluorescent fixture to layout surface will be 20" minus the thickness of the fixture (I’m looking at some 1" thick low-profile fluorescents.)
Is this too much distance from lighting to layout top to provide bright illumination? I am trying to simulate a bright summer day rather than a hazy sort of light.
What my club did to solve this problem was they took some colored christmas lights and made them invisible to the spectator. They were suspended about 3 or 4 feet from the layout surface and it actually looks realistic and the length is only limited to how many sets you want to light your railroad… The only way they could be seen was if you were looking for them (leaning over the layout then looking up.).
Adding flourescents to the 72" shelf won’t be too high. Look at how high most store flourescents are, and how bright things are at floor level.
The issue comes down to dark spots between light fixtures. To absolutely make surte you won’t have any, add a struing of fixtures that are right next to each other. If you want to save some money, do a bit of experimentation to see how much distance between fixtures you can get away with. I’d suspect that you’ll be able to mount fixtures at least 18" apart without any noticeable drop in illumination.