Overall Layout Lighting

With the lighting valance constructed, it was time to install the overhead lighting.

 

Portfolio Light Fixture

For daytime lighting effects (sun), I used small under-cabinet lighting units from Portfolio.  I purchased these from a local home improvement store (Lowe's).  They were very easy to install using basic tools and the included hardware.  Each light fixture can be daisy-chained together as well.  This way they can be turned on from one on/off power switch.  However, you can still turn on/off each unit separately if needed.

Daytime Lighting Effect Over Sierra Yard Portion of Layout

For this layout, I was really excited to try overhead nighttime lighting effects (moon and stars).  The layout itself will have various lighting effects like street lights and interior lights for the structures.  However, I wanted to come up with a way for the layout to be lighted from overhead and simulate the glow of the moon and stars from up above.

Blue Rope Light

The solution I came up with was to use strands of blue rope lighting.  I ran three strands of this rope lighting through the rafters of the lighting valence. Once installed, I turned off the lights in the garage and turned on the blue light.  To my delight, I got the effect that I was hoping for.  The blue rope lights gave off a bluish tint that it did appear as if the moon and the stars were shining brightly in the sky high above.  There was also enough ambient light in the garage that operators of the rail road could still function and enjoy running trains.

Blue Rope Light Installed Above the Meat Packing Plant

Construction of Backdrop and Lighting Valence

One thing that I wanted to add to my Oakdale Junction model railroad layout was an overhead lighting valence.  With the layout now setup in the garage, I had the accessibility to take on this project.  The first thing I needed to do was to figure out how I could support the overhead structure.  Since the layout is free-standing and not against any of the garage walls, I needed to make the bracing strong, but not too heavy that it could come crashing down onto the layout itself.

Lighting Valence Supports & Hardboard Backdrop Being Installed

"L-Shaped" Bracket

I made "L-shaped" support arms using 1x3 dimensional lumber purchased from a local home improvement store (Lowe's).  I took two pieces of lumber and butted them together in the shape of an "L."  Then I attached them with an "L-shaped" metal bracket on both sides and securing them to the wood with tiny screws and nuts, washers and bolts.  When these support arms were done, I affixed them to the back side of the wooden layout support table with long wood screws.  Once all the support brackets were installed, I used 1x3 dimensional lumber to frame the front of the lighting valence.  The next step was to cover the frame with 1/2 inch plywood cut to the shape of the frame.



Close-up of "L-Shaped" Bracket

Upper Framing for the Corner Section of Layout

Plywood in Place Prior to Cutting Final Shape

Backdrop Puttied and Sanded for Painting Sky Blue

Oakdale Side with Backdrop Painted Blue

I mixed up the can of sky blue latex interior paint I had left over from when I painted the hardboard backdrop.  I then painted all of the exposed wood that was apart of the lighting valance.  This step greatly improved the illusion that the railroad is surrounded by sky.  The blue color will also help reflect the light down onto the layout as well.

The finishing touch to my new lighting valence was to install a small hardboard fascia to the front of the frame.  This fascia is similar to the one used to frame the layout support table.  I painted it with the same tan latex interior paint and used the same finishing screws to secure the fascia in place.  I then labeled "Oakdale Junction" using black sticky-back letters purchased at a craft store (Michael's).



Completed Lighting Valence & Partially Painted Backdrop

Painting of Backdrop Begins

The hardboard backdrop was installed on the layout a while ago and I painted it a sky blue color using latex interior paint purchased from a local home improvement store (Lowe's).  After several months of anxiety, I finally attempted to paint a more detailed backdrop.  So far, I have only painted the profile hill board that serves as a scenic view block hiding the Southern Pacific's line toward Merced, California.  I am quite surprised at the results of my effort.


The Distant Hills and Fields Take Shape on the Backdrop

I will be the first to tell you that I am no artist and I have no real experience painting.  However, after reading Painting Backdrops for Your Model Railroad by author Mike Danneman (Kalmbach Publishing), and watching several videos on YouTube regarding the subject, my confidence increased.

I purchased inexpensive acrylic paints (Apple Barrel) in a variety of colors from a local craft store (Michael's).  I then applied some of the techniques I learned and to my surprise, the depth of the distant hills began to take shape.  As the hills continued to take shape, I was encouraged to keep on going.  I know I would have given up if things did not develop like they were supposed to.  Once the hills were painted, I then focused on the foreground fields and orchards.  I even painted basic barns and silos to make the scene more realistic.  The painted scene still is not done, but I know that I really do have the ability to paint a decent looking backdrop that will help my layout look more realistic in the long run.



The Hills Contrasted with the Packing Plant

Overall View of the Scene from a Distance

Northern Pacific Reefer Parked in Sierra Yard

 

A Painted Barn Contrasted with the Reefer