My New N Scale Project

[Rico]

I like the code 55, it looks great weathered!
I like roadbed just to raise the track up from the ground and define it but in some cases, as can be see in your link, it appears to be at ground level so mounting it to the base would work!
I also like to model ditches along the line, something seldom seen on a model, but again the photos show otherwise.
Love the mods you’ve made so far!

 

[GuilfordRailman]

I like the code 55, it looks great weathered!
I like roadbed just to raise the track up from the ground and define it but in some cases, as can be see in your link, it appears to be at ground level so mounting it to the base would work!
I also like to model ditches along the line, something seldom seen on a model, but again the photos show otherwise.
Love the mods you’ve made so far!

I might use some thin 1/16” cork sheeting I have and make my own roadbed to define the track a little bit but not so much it looks like the main line.

And thank you!

 

[GuilfordRailman]

So…I have been thinking about the construction materials for this layout and I’ve opted to do the same thing I did on my micro layout. With that layout, I didn’t use any plywood or solid base for the layout but rather foam insulation board resting on a couple 1 x 4 cross sections surrounded by a 1 x 4 frame. This technique worked well to create a solid and lightweight layout!

I can thank Steve from Steve’s Trains for that idea

One thing I’ve never put much effort into for any layout is a background and lighting. I plan to incorporate these ideas into the build as well.

 

[migalyto]

So…I have been thinking about the construction materials for this layout and I’ve opted to do the same thing I did on my micro layout. With that layout, I didn’t use any plywood or solid base for the layout but rather foam insulation board resting on a couple 1 x 4 cross sections surrounded by a 1 x 4 frame. This technique worked well to create a solid and lightweight layout!

I can thank Steve from Steve’s Trains for that idea

One thing I’ve never put much effort into for any layout is a background and lighting. I plan to incorporate these ideas into the build as well.

A backdrop greatly improves a layouts looks. You will be surprised how much it adds.

 

[wombat457]

Mike, I might have to think about a back drop as well - perhaps but also have to agree with you, from the ones I have seen, they add greatly to the layouts over all look

 

[Rico]

How about a shadow box type deal?
I've thought about this before and still might go for it if I do a switching layout.

 

[GuilfordRailman]

How about a shadow box type deal?
I've thought about this before and still might go for it if I do a switching layout.

I hadn’t thought of that, but I think a shadow box style layout would be awesome!

 

[GuilfordRailman]

Thanks to Rico, i’ve opted to go with a shadow box style layout for this switching layout.

My plan is to build the framework for the layout and then use some leftover hardboard from my micro layout project to create the backdrop and sides of the shadow box itself. I am still trying to come up with the best way to secure the hardboard to the 1 x 4 frame. I’m most likely going to either use some smaller sections of leftover 1 x 4 or some metal brackets.

It will be a few weeks before I begin to build this layout as I’m going on vacation so there is plenty of time for working on the design

 

[dgrafix]

I have heard of shadow box techniques in cgi 3D modelling and in photography.
Can someone explain what it means in model railroading. (Sorry had a 30 year pause lol)
At a guess it's where lighting projects at the center detail creating a realistic daylight shadow in contrast to an "ambient light" supplied from a back-lit backdrop/scene?

 

[GuilfordRailman]

I have heard of shadow box techniques in cgi 3D modelling and in photography.
Can someone explain what it means in model railroading. (Sorry had a 30 year pause lol)
At a guess it's where lighting projects at the center detail creating a realistic daylight shadow in contrast to an "ambient light" supplied from a back-lit backdrop/scene?

I suppose the best and simplest description would be a lighted diorama with working trains

 

[dgrafix]

I suppose the best and simplest description would be a lighted diorama with working trains

Rightso, thanks. Basically pretty much what i had in mind then

 

[GuilfordRailman]

Rightso, thanks. Basically pretty much what i had in mind then

Yup! Should be a nice easy and fun build

 

[migalyto]

Yup! Should be a nice easy and fun build

I bet it will look really cool too. Always like the shadow box layouts!

 

[GuilfordRailman]

I bet it will look really cool too. Always like the shadow box layouts!

I agree!