overhead lighting for your layout

[Anonymous]

I am setting up a O scale layout. It is a around the room shelf layout. I am trying to figure out how to setup lights overhead to light the layout. I want to keep shadowing down to nil. I currently have three way adjustable light fixtures. I have them in the center of the room pointing to the walls. When I put houses or trees on the layout they cast dark shadows on the backout. Since my backdrop is painted hills and trees it doesn't look very realtistic to shadows. Any ideas? I don't have a lot of money for track lighting.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Welcome to the forum. It seems clear that you will need to get the light source more overhead with respect to the subject, that will move the shadows off your backdrop. If you were to hang a valance from the ceiling, you could place lights on the back side to illuminate the layout. Simple light sockets could be used, along with low wattage bulbs.

[Buckeye Riveter]

[#welcome]
Have you thought about small Christmas tree lights strung along the backside of the shelf? Not knowing the exact details of your shelf, it might be an option you cannot use, but it would be inexpensive. In places that it was necessary, use a "shade" made from cardboard. Better yet, but more expensive would be the rope lights you see at Home Depot placed on the backside of the shelp. Both of these ideas again might not be suitable for your particular situation.

[eZAK]

[#welcome]decorah 818,

In addition to the above sugestions you may try looking into some low cost track lighting. There are some low voltage, self stick types out there that work very well.

Another idea would be to buy replacement sockets for rail cars or engines.
Wire these up, hide 'em around your layout, and power 'em from a trans.

Places to buy include; Flea markets, garage sales, & internet.