Our club is moving to a new room and that requires a total, new layout build. I had included a valance in the specs as I consider it a "must have" item. Now, some of our members are saying, "We don't need a valance, there's lenty of room light."
I'll counter with "1. Get correct, 'daylight' color on the layout; 2. Get proper 'moonlight blue' light for night ops, with ability to brighten certain areas for emphasis or to provide extra light, e.g., in the yards so you don't have to switch by braille; 3. Focus the eyes to the layout; 4. Provide some of dust control.
What other points have I missed?
Additionally, our landlord has hinted that they don't want us penetrating the walls, so we may not be able to hang the structure. What other innovative means, besides using helium filled birthday balloons or constructing bulky steel support posts can you devise?
BobWilkesWhat other innovative means, besides using helium filled birthday balloons or constructing bulky steel support posts can you devise?
None. You'll probably have to give up your valance idea, with the land lord's rules, as now the fight with members that don't want, or feel the need for a valance, has a huge weapon against the idea.
I would guess the land lord's "penetrating the walls" rule would also include the ceiling, unless there is a grid system already in place for a suspended ceiling, you could hang additional lighting from that, but not a valance.
I don't get your dust control thing, along with focus the eyes. If you can't hang anything from the ceiling, you'll have to settle with what's there, as far as the additional lights you trying to do. Maybe you can do an up-grade to the bulbs and fixtures.
Just my thoughts.
Mike.
My You Tube
If building around the walls, freestanding - an F shaped upright plus some legs along the froont will suppoort the deck plus a valance above and a backdrop, without attaching to the wall. Can you hang pictures in the place? A couple of anchors here and there intot he wall will add some extra support, and be no more than if you had some pictures hanging - ie, easily removed and spackled over.
For a penninsula - something that looks like a back to back set of E's. Legs for the floor, middle for the layout deck, top for the valence. Not attached to anything, completely freestanding. Center is your divider for mounting the backdrop.
Not too difficult. A valance will not really work if you are building an old style giant ialsnd layout with a moat around the outside.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Yes, the ceiling is out of the question, too. (10 ft & not suspended)
The dust control was just another point. A valance would hopefully stop some of the dust falling verticaly down from reaching the layout. It's amazing how much 'stuff' is floating in the air. Just 'forget' to dust a dresser or book shelf for a couple weeks and see what you get!
The 'focus the eyes' comment was to emphasize the fact that your eyes are naturally drawn to and focus on what has the most light. That's one reason the house lights are out during a play, your attention is focused to the stage.
Thanks for the input.
Say tuned for the results.
BobWilkes Yes, the ceiling is out of the question, too. (10 ft & not suspended) The dust control was just another point. A valance would hopefully stop some of the dust falling verticaly down from reaching the layout. It's amazing how much 'stuff' is floating in the air. Just 'forget' to dust a dresser or book shelf for a couple weeks and see what you get! The 'focus the eyes' comment was to emphasize the fact that your eyes are naturally drawn to and focus on what has the most light. That's one reason the house lights are out during a play, your attention is focused to the stage. Thanks for the input. Say tuned for the results.
Hello Bob,
Here is something that might work. I as not able (allowed :-) . . ) to attached anything to these walls (dining area).
Decking is free standing L-girder w/legs. On the end of each deck I mounted a vertical post (1 x 4) pocket- holed to the end. I added a T-beam (1x6 with a 1x4) on that vertical upright (notice on bottom right of photo) to each end of the deck. On that I mounted a short (maybe 8 inches) 1x4. Lights were hung under the T-beam and valance we added at end of the 1x4's
I had no problems with sag or instability. Hope this generates some ideas.
Tom