fact, the search for additional switching locations remains an
ongoing quest.
Prior to beginning layout construction, I spent two years (yes,
two years) preparing the room. The basement was completely
unfinished when I started. After hiring someone to install 2x4
stud walls around the perimeter and between the main room
and my future shop and staging rooms, I installed electrical
boxes for layout power, shop and tool power, and for overhead
track lighting. The track light strips are parallel to the layout
edge and are set one foot into the aisles.
The result is that the layout and backdrop are well-lit, while the
aisles are relatively dark. The entire ceiling, wires, ductwork,
drain, and water pipes were sprayed with flat black paint to
create a museum diorama effect for the layout. For dust con-
trol, I installed plastic sheet vapor barriers inside the wall studs
and acid-etched and stained the concrete floor.
12
12: The snapper locomotive has just cut off as EC-11’s cabin
car passes the REA in Annville.
