Hello all, I just tore down a 5' x 10' layout and i have bought a new house in Denver. They have these things called basements which is a new concept to a guy from Southern California but a dream to build a layout. My contractor is finishing a space for my layout. It is a funky space but i will be just happy to be out of the garage. It will be long and narrow without windows. I have a few questions and might not be evan considering the right things right now. 1. What reccomendations do you have for lighting if you could choose? Can lighting, fluorescent, or track lighting? Combo? 2. Any special wiring reccomendations besides a dedicated circuit with enough outlets? 3. What is the average depth of a layout from the wall? 18" ??? I understand turn and corners will be deeper... Thanks for all of your advice. I look forward to learning a lot along the way.....
Lighting - fluorescent is the most popular; however a friend has a layout with both fluorescent and track lighting which he can dial on and off. Heat is the big issue with lighting. Frequently he'll operate with just the fluorescents on, as the room is affected by the track lighting. Which leads to the next issue: air circulation - take it into account now; with the lights on and a couple of buddies down there with you, it can get warm. A buddy of mine has his room so warm in the winter that I can't last very long in it. Extra dedicated circuit - Lets put it this way, do you think the odds are higher that you regret putting one in and not using it, or not putting one in and needing one. I'd go for the extra circuit (above and beyound lighting) if you can, you might be surprised where you go with DCC, computers, power routing, etc. depth from wall - you can easily go 24 inches without hassle depending on the height of the layout. If I was double decking I might go a little bit less. What is the size of the room? Are you single decking or multiple decking? DCC or no - going DCC might speed up your wiring and "possibly" simplifying it. Try to "finish" the room off as much as possible; the finish creates a better atmosphere, leads to less dust, brightens the room up, and the layout feels more "professional." Whats going on the floor, if concrete, why not build a false floor a couple of inches above it as one of my friends did - easier on the legs, especially older legs. Nows a good time to start planning your backdrop and how it is going to be attached. Good luck, sounds like exciting times in your life.
24 inches is a good depth to work with for shelving. On lighting I would use color corrected bulbs. They will supply the right composuiton of light for your railroad. You could use a valence to hide the lighting above the layout. Stay cool and run steam.....
Dave, I am using 4' shop lites with florescent bulbs. I would like to see what other people are using. I best answer is 24", but people use 12" - 30", It just depends what you like and you can reach. I am using 24"-36" on the lower deck and 24"-32" on the upper deck. the 36" or 32" is in the turnarounds. Congratulations on your new home and more importantly your new basement.
Sorry I do not know how to cut and paste your reply to give credit to your questions. Luckily the room is going to be finished to the house specs which is carpet, drywall, plaster finish, base, and ventilation. I need to get rough dimensions next week when i revisit the house. I am guessing is is 8-10' wide and about 20' long. No question in my mind to have plenty of juice on the circuit. Probably going to single deck due to the fact that is my first layout not on a sheet of plywood.... Don't want to bite off too much and get frustrated with it... I already own DCC. Ran it on my small layout and loved it!!!! Scale will be HO. What do i need to consider on how to anchor to wall? Otherwise I suppose he will just frame with 18" studs. Thanks for the quick replies. I am meeting him in a week and want to make sure I am clear on what I want. Easy to change now but a pain later......
