Adding a Light Valance to the HO Shelf Layout Extension

[@achb-railway]

Good lighting is always such a huge improvement on any layout. And you’re right - I see so many people who build everything out of 2x4s even when they are definitely not needed. Looking good!

[@HartfordWhaler]

Thank you! Yeah I’ve seen a lot of benchwork built like fallout shelters. Thanks for watching!

[@J3scribe]

Your no frills staging/exchange has turned out to be a very cool layout extension. As predicted when you announced your intent, I knew you wouldn't just put some tracks on plywood and leave it at that, not after seeing your original project. However, you have gone well above and beyond what I expected, and I'm very impressed and inspired by your work. i have a shelf layout design of my own, which I am eager to tackle. I will be returning to your videos again and again for modeling tips and inspiration!

[@HartfordWhaler]

Thank you for the very kind comments! It makes me happy if I inspire viewers. Makes it all worthwhile. Humbling. If you ever need help getting your layout started, just let me know. Thank you for watching!

[@toddarmstrong.trackside.action]

The valance is looking great Paul. I really like your grafitti and weathering on the gondola.

[@HartfordWhaler]

Appreciate that Todd. The gondola was a practice car. Hope to hone my skills so I can add some of that content to the channel. Not ready for prime time yet. Thanks for watching!

[@georgiasunbelt]

Never say Never 😊…nice valance work…the hole filling trick is a good one…

[@HartfordWhaler]

Thanks Anthony!

[@contributor7219]

The valance makes a huge difference to the lighting. I've got rechargeable puck lights for mine - they don't provide the same lighting consistency as your leds do but I can live with them. It's nice to have that little storage/display shelf over the layout though 🙂 As you know from my previous comments, I'm not a fan of those Walthers curved turnouts either. Not only are they poorly made, the rail profile is what I would describe as 'clunky' compared to Peco code 83 - and they're not exactly inexpensive either! When time permits I'll custom-make some replacements.

[@HartfordWhaler]

Agree on the clunky rails. You really see it when you join it to Peco track. I’ll have to live with them since I built the whole extension around 2 of their 24/28” curved turnouts. Custom made would be my last option. What does that even cost?

[@contributor7219]

@@HartfordWhaler The cost very much depends on how you make them. Apart from a trio of the same 'ordinary' Walthers turnouts you have, all my other turnouts are hand laid to suit their location. With that amount of practice and the specialised tooling I already have, I'm pretty confident I could make the 'Walthers replicas' without a jig. Without a jig the cost is mostly just a few lengths of rail and some printed circuit board ties. The only reason I didn't buy a jig for the curved turnouts is because the cost is a bit much for three turnouts. That said, I'm now reassessing that decision 🙄

[@FXE_HO_773]

Great video! As far as the Walther switches yes they are a hit and miss, I've had few switches where the gap on points wasn't correct. I had to modify the gap and re-solder it. Also had few with the guard rail clearance too tight causing derailments. 😶

[@HartfordWhaler]

Thank you! They are hit or miss for sure. Fortunately, Iron Planet Hobbies was quick to provide a replacement. That worked!

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

thanks great job

[@HartfordWhaler]

Thank you Ronald! Appreciate you watching!

[@nwgwc]

Love your videos and layout! I'm fixin to start building a small switching layout in our spare bedroom. We moved here to Florida a little over a year ago and noticed you mentioned that you are in Florida as well...what part you in? We're in Crestview, FL. Thanks, and always looking forward to seeing your new videos!

[@HartfordWhaler]

You’re way up in the panhandle. Hope you didn’t get hit by hurricanes! We’re down on the E coast north of W Palm beach. Email me if you get down this way. [e-mail] Thanks for watching!

[@rickyhammond36]

shoulda put a sheet or a towel or 2 on the layout Charlie !!! Ahh well,, helix up to the 2nd level is the next project =p

[@HartfordWhaler]

Thought of that, but I think the sheet would have crushed more than the sawdust did! After this project, I’ll need to finish the track so I can operate…and start to weather the cars and engines. Thanks for watching!

[@Blue_Dingo]

Glad I am not the only one who thought that :)

[@Blue_Dingo]

So, the new question is, when does Paul start the helix to the new upper deck/staging? :) Lighting looks good.

[@HartfordWhaler]

Haha. Actually…

[@HumancityJunction]

I need to get some more masonite cut.

[@HartfordWhaler]

They have that stuff in NYC? ;) PS, Iron Planet Hobbies is taking care of me with the defective Walthers turnout. Great guys. I used your promo code to order the initial product, so thanks! Hope you are well Heath!

[@HumancityJunction]

@ great to hear!! And yes, we have lumber yards in NYC, but getting the wood pre-cut is expensive.

[@barbedwirerat661]

Glad you are doing this. The valence frames the layout.

[@HartfordWhaler]

Thank you! I agree now that I’m doing it!