A few weeks ago, fuelled by the success of 'Inside Out' I shared another visually challenging scheme - an opportunity to do something different again, create a layout set at night and to be operated in the dark...
Another Mosslanda - and nothing ground breaking in track plan - taking the long proven and successful 'Paxton Road' pointless scheme with a single track sector plate off stage. The challenge, and opportunity for me is the presentation on stage. A series of four 'street lights' illuminate the scene and are the only light to operate by - these are scratch built from very very thin brass tube and pre-wired SMD tiny LEDs, threading one of the wires through the tube, and soldering the second to the brass. Under the baseboard these are connected (via 3k resistors) to a pair of old Code 75 rails that provide a 12v bus. Trackwork is British Finescale Code 40, the road surface is 1mm Daler mounting card, painted grey and dusted in talc.
These test shots show the casework has been painted black inside, but that this is too shiny! I have ordered some black card to use, which I hope will have a duller, less reflective surface - and of course, most of the backscene will be hidden by a low relief warehouse. What they also show is the incredible promise that this setting already shows. I am looking forward to the stories I can tell in this latest 'micro-Hifi'...
It is amazing how big such a small space can feel. Whilst the idea and opportunity feel worth exploring, I'm already recognising that Paxton Road should not fear replacement - as the challenges here will sometimes be too frustrating for a casual operating session. However, I'm really excited, and the chance to 'sharpen the saw' whilst demonstrating what is possible if you push the envelope a bit, work outside of your comfort zone (these lights were seriously fiddly) and just experiment with some slightly daft ideas. I love model railways! Until next time, more soon...
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I love this James, visually striking and totally unique. The lights are very tidy too. I would like to do something similar for my station interior scene, with some sun diffusing through the canopy but an otherwise gloomy interior illuminated primarily by the station lighting
ReplyDeleteThanks Will. There are a good variety of LEDs available in shape and temperature so that element shouldn’t be a problem. The light from above an overall roof is something I’ve pondered before too… with ideas of Caer. Perhaps it is worth exploring soon…
DeleteI like this concept. I actually find myself looking at the reflections of the lights and wonder if a treatment like that on the ground might serve to represent rain puddles
ReplyDeleteThe reflections as of last night are much reduced with the black card… I think in N they’d be difficult to control. I used my usual paint and talc approach on the hard standing. Thanks Ian.
DeleteThere are no daft ideas here James, just boundaries being pushed and concepts being explored. There's already an atmosphere here, the night crew shunting an inbound loaded VGA, spotting the empty VGA ready for collection. I'm guessing the load is bonded stores, whisky from Speyside. A dram anyone?! Superb layout.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom, I love how these schemes evoke such different but valued responses in us all!
DeleteWonderful James. Great to see this coming along so well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for shedding light on the subject...
Roger.
Fantastic pun thanks Roger!
DeleteI found that just few LEDs on my Independence Street layout transform the feel and pull me into the scene.
ReplyDeleteThe trick here, is the whole thing should be able to operated in the dark.
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