A Woman and Her Shoes

[FJ and G]

Walking in the Crystal City, Va., underground, I came across a lighted poster of a woman and her shoes. I stopped to study the poster from different angles and came up with a real nifty idea I plan to implement on the 2nd shelf of my layout, when I get to that point in construction.

The idea, which I've never before seen done, is to illuminate the entire narrow shelf layout with a lighted backdrop instead of lights behind a valance. I was going to draw a diagram of my idea but think I can describe it for you just as easily.

The backdrop would consist of long fluorescent tube lights behind a transparent acrylic backdrop with a scene painted on it (other two photos show a possible city and country landscape).

The acrylic would be seamlessly joined together (not framed like in these photos). The acrylic would be held to the wall studs using a clear glass or plastic tubular structure with a long screw inserted. Get the picture?

It would be esp. nice to be able to dim or brighten the tubes, but I'm not sure if that is possible with fluorescent lighting. Perhaps someone else can wade in here.

The other idea I have is an illuminated map, similar to the one shown here, with your layout track and stuff and lights that light up where the train is at, as well as industries. When a particular accessory is activated, lights would go on on the diagram.

[pbjwilson]

Great idea.

I think Kodak made huge photo murals that were back lit. In fact I think I saw one at the old Chicago & Northwestern train station in downtown Chicago. It was years ago. Great advertising for Kodak.

How about back lighting the train table itself. Illuminated scenery. You could build the benchtop out of clear acrylic and use some sort of colored gel overlays for grass and rock, etc..

[MTsteamfan]

Flourescent lighting may fade the colors of your backdrop over time, but that might give you a great excuse to repaint it!

[Anonymous]

Interesting Idea, but it's sounds a bit too Hollywood to me. Generally flouresent lighting will wash out colors. I suppose the paint would help filter the harshness. Try it and see what happens.