CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS
This is where our journey begins. PBMRy is being constructed as a Sectional, Limited View, Around the Walls, Operating, Museum Style Diorama. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.
CONSTRUCTION NOTES:
While everything looked good on paper, from a practical everyday usability standpoint, several changes had to be made on the fly and are detailed below.
Image 1:
The 2'x2' "C" Spine, with 1.5" legs, was found to be a bit tight for work "under" the layout. A 5" riser was added to the bottom providing much needed clearance and a space for a more attractive facia board. Should this contraction ever be attempted again, 3/4 Ply would be used and increase the height to 30"
Image 2:
The 1'x3' Poplar top and bottom rails were screwed and glued to the spines. This fastening method, as well screwing all other panels makes for an extremely strong construction
Image 3:
The back panel is from 1/8" Hardboard. Other than starting out smooth and easy to finish, the material allows to cove the inside corners.
Image 4:
Top and bottom panels screwed into place.
A Clean Slate
The room is compact, approximately. 8' x 10' which allows for a highly detailed layout easily maintained by one person
Brackets and Supports Midway Installed
Layout height was chosen to be 53" from the floor. If I were to do it over again I would make it 48 " for optimum valance use.
Sections Installed
The basic sections have been installed. This shows the 5" riser on the bottom as well as some deviations from the basic 2'x2'x4' Section.
In-House Light Fixture Basics
48" LED Shop Lights paired with End Caps built in our shop provided the basis for the lighting.
Start of the Two Step assembly
End Caps fastened to the LED Shop Lights
Finished Fixture
Lights finished with Foam Core shades.
Evenly, well light Layouts, as well as special effects lighting, are becoming more and more common. With the advent of LEDs as a light source and smaller less expensive fixtures readily available this goal is within reach of the average modeler. Lighting for the sections was inspired by home Aquarium Lights.