The New Northern Central

[Scottl]

Thanks, that is helpful.  I'm tall but mindful of others so I'm aiming for 60" with my upper deck.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think that MIGHT be a bit much if there's not much interaction. I needed mine slightly lower since the yard is up there.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Also, I hopped into my Adobe Timemachine for a peek at what it'll look like in the future with fascia and skirting installed.

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[davefoxx]

Time flies.  Hard to believe that it’s almost been eight months since you and I did the field research on the NC.

That said, can I make a suggestion?  No?  Too bad.  . Can I talk you into cutting the roadbed out from under the track over the bridge, so that the bridge could be raised and increase the clearance underneath?  In essence, you’d just be thinning the ballast profile on the bridge.



DFF

[Chris333]

If you need more height you can just pile up more pillows under the layout 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Time flies.  Hard to believe that it’s almost been eight months since you and I did the field research on the NC.

Right?

That said, can I make a suggestion?  No?  Too bad.  . Can I talk you into cutting the roadbed out from under the track over the bridge, so that the bridge could be raised and increase the clearance underneath?  In essence, you’d just be thinning the ballast profile on the bridge.

You mean remove the cork? I've already thinned it quite a bit. I think the dark plastic "bridge deck" might be creating an optical illusion.

[DKS]

One more little suggestion for your future vision... a valance.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

One more little suggestion for your future vision... a valance.

Would you believe I tried the same thing? lol

I'm concerned about room lighting though, since the overheads do double duty.

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[DKS]

I'm concerned about room lighting though, since the overheads do double duty.

Don't be. There is usually more than enough bounce and spill light to navigate the room. And if it's not enough, run strip lights under the edge of the lower level, and set the curtain back just a bit. Or, run a second bank of lights overhead that can be shut off separately.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Don't be. There is usually more than enough bounce and spill light to navigate the room. And if it's not enough, run strip lights under the edge of the lower level, and set the curtain back just a bit. Or, run a second bank of lights overhead that can be shut off separately.

I like that. Now that I think about it, I'm sure I'll be able to solve that problem. I think a valance might be a plan that's now on.

Now here's the next wrinkle, thinking way ahead. Fascia colors. I like black, typically, but the more I play with greenish grays (variations of "go away green"), the more I kinda like it.

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[DKS]

I like that. Now that I think about it, I'm sure I'll be able to solve that problem. I think a valance might be a plan that's now on.

Good. Anything is preferable to layout lighting right in your face.

As for color, I've always been partial to black valances, and I like woodgrain fascia. Easier to keep clean, and looks more "finished." But I know I'm in a distinct minority here, so knock yourself out.

[DeltaBravo]

Back drop looks great.

[Ian MacMillan]

Ditto on the valance. Mine are black, as well as the fascia and skirting so only that the layout is visible. And  that visible section is only 20" from fascia to bottom of the valance. I really like the look it produces.

[Cajonpassfan]

Funny how differently people perceive the aesthetics of layout space. Personally, I find black fascias much too contrasty and severe. I think it works well for small "shadow box" style dioramas, but in a larger layout room setting, I like a less "in your face" layout edge that's easier on the eye. I also think bringing in a little touch of the dominant scenery color onto the fascia helps to blend the whole. Mine is called Lead Cast by Velspar, pic below, but there are literally dozens of subtle colors available.
But, there are lots of "right" ways to do this, and aesthetics are a funny and very personal business
Ed, I do like your selection a lot. Now about those trees....
Otto
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[Bendtracker1]

I've always liked black for fascia and skirting, but it can be too dominate as others have stated.

This image of your layout with the chosen colors seems to fit with your layout Ed.
Seeing the colors of the room and carpet and knowing what season you're modeling, the colors feel appropriate for a dull, drab and overcast winters day.
You might even give it some thought about keeping the lighting diffused and on the cooler side?