The LK&O Railroad

[LKOrailroad]

I found and registered on this site Sept 2010 back when I was finishing my basement and a long ways from building my railroad. Seems I forgot to start a layout engineering report entry here when I did finally start building. Today, I was reviewing Google Analytics for the LK&O blog site when I noticed a new traffic source - Railwire. Curiosity got the best of me. I came to the site and instantly remembered it. This time I added it to my Model Railroad toolbar.  Searching for the LK&O reference led me to a post made by Bernie Kempinski about my lighting system. Thank you for the very kind words Bernie. You flatter me. Coming from a man of your talents those compliments really mean a lot.

Now that I am here it is a good time to get going on a report...

This past weekend I completed installation of reflectors over my layout lighting. Aluminum roof flashing worked marvelously. For the whole story and lots of pics visit http://www.lkorailroad.com/reflectors/. More to come!

[LKOrailroad]

For the very first time I was able to turn on every CFL and LED in the layout lighting system. Jeepers, it makes a lot of light. I am happy. Next, cut and install a whole bunch of light and ceiling panels.

These pics were taken with the ceiling lights off.

[shark_jj]

Welcome Allan, layout looks like it is really coming along.  Lighting looks very professional and will definitely accent the railroad.  I clicked over to your blog and it too looks well done and is quite extensive.  I am going to make the time over the weekend to look through it more carefully. 

John

[Philip H]

Hey Alla,
Welcome to TRW.  I've been following you over at MRH as kcsphil1, and I'm glad you are here.  If I may, please post the link to your well documented lighting thread there - it has a lot of information that our readers here might like.

Philip

[LKOrailroad]

Jeez, you guys make me blush. Thanks for all the kind words. The layout lighting spans several posts on the LK&O blog but this is the real meaty one: http://www.lkorailroad.com/lighting-system-operational/. The parallel thread on MRH is at http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/6746. You can see all of the lighting posts on the LK&O blog by clicking on the Layout Lighting category in the right nav panel. Thanks for looking.

Watch for an upcoming article about it in Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.

[LKOrailroad]

Progress has been slow over the summer months but I do make a little headway now and then. Finally have the ceiling finished. Next is cutting and fitting the light panels in the valance assembly over the layout. 96 panels will be needed. Likely to take a couple months at my summertime rate of progress!

[LKOrailroad]

Got started on layout lighting panels.

[GaryHinshaw]

Beautiful workmanship.  I'm anxious to see the layout that goes under it. 

[LKOrailroad]

You and me too, brother! All things in due time. Wound up in the 'gotta do this before I do that' syndrome.

[LKOrailroad]

A good bit more progress has been made with my lighting project. I'll be finished within the month. Then actual model railroading will start. Finally!

Plenty of pics here: http://www.lkorailroad.com/layout-lighting-panels-part-ii/

Here is one of my favorites. Laying on the floor looking up.

[Philip H]

Really well done.  Having followed much of this over at MRH (as kcsphil1), I like that shot - and I know how much work has gone into it.  Now we'll get to see your excellent skills applied to the trains.

[LKOrailroad]

Put in the very last light panel tonight. Ready to start building a railroad. Finally!

[JSL]

That is such a well crafted space to put a layout in. I can't wait to see the benchwork! So get to work

[LKOrailroad]

OK, I got to work. Plywood is ripped and benchwork building is set to begin. Details: http://www.lkorailroad.com/benchwork-begins/.

[John]

I used plywood as well for my bench work - not as thick as yours, but it is sufficiently sturdy ..