Last night we finished up the installation of a new drop-in ceiling in the basement, covering most of the layout with a shield from dust and at least some sort of barrier for moisture that may come through the old wooden floors of my house (the near-disaster of spilled orange juice in the kitchen, directly over CP 280, comes to mind). Further, we've added a MUCH tighter appearance to the layout - without all the chaos visible above, the eye travels naturally to the scenery and models.
Here's an opening view, pre-ceiling. You can see the laser line if you look closely, showing where the finished elevation will be. This tool helps to 'see' the finished height.
Once the line is set, the contractors built a grid of aluminum framing, and I started to move the lighting from the rafters to the grid (as well as label the grid at critical spots, where valves and junction boxes would be hidden). I also installed light plastic 'dust jackets' to the layout to aid in clean-up.
Once that was in place, it was time for the contractors to come back the following day and install the tiles - this was like watching an artist. These cuts have to be perfect. I was happy to have professionals on board to install the grid and make the tough cuts.
What a difference! I am amazed at just how different it looks with the ceiling in place. There are a few adjustments to make, including lighting and such based on operator feedback, but I think I am going to be very happy with the changes in the room.
Here's a comparison for you - the Iroquois area with the grid, and then the Iroquois area with the finished ceiling:
I feel as though the space for the layout went from 'amateur' looking to professional-looking, all in two days' time! I am hoping this cuts down on track cleaning, and offers some protection to the layout, but also hoping this is a more enjoyable place to spend time with the new clean look. One thing that is for sure is that it is now time for backdrops to be finalized - I am looking at photo backdrops, but that is a post for the future!
Best wishes into April!
~RGDave
The new ceiling looks fantastic! It definitely helps to focus the eye on the layout in pictures.
ReplyDeleteLooks great. A huge difference. Looking forward to the photo backdrop post...
ReplyDeleteLove the new lighting - it's amazing how much things like lights and ceiling makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Good call to make this improvement.
ReplyDeleteLooks great. 1000% improvement to an already great layout.
ReplyDeleteThanks, all! This has re-energized my appetite for improvements. I've been adding lighting to structures lately and of course the backdrop will also be a huge step forward. More to come!
ReplyDeleteLayout looks great. I live along the Chicago line about 50 miles East of Utica and was wondering were you got the signal bridges? look great. Wanted to put some on my layout. Thanks
ReplyDeleteJustin, thanks much! Signal bridges were built for me by Integrated Signal Systems, located in Florida. Tim Maslyn built them to match photos I provided.
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