Lighting Changes
When I originally put up my lighting the garage, I simply velcro’d the lights in the garage door tracks. A quick, easy install, and it worked great.
However, with spring and the mowing season approaching I see that idea being a pain in the rear every time I need to open the door. So today I did a little rearranging.
The main issue I had to deal with was how to mount the lights in the garage with minimal damage to the walls (it’s a leased house). I settled on a really simple idea using Hercules Hooks and Hook & Loop Velcro straps.
Two hooks and straps are used per fixture (for each end). Attach the velcro strap around the light, and then use the plastic loop on the velcro strap to hang the fixture on the Hecules Hook. Simply but effective.
And a look at the switch (on the left wall in the above picture) that controls the lights.
Shaun,
I’ve been following your layout construction since I came across your site late last year when I was searching for info on the SLR project that MR had begun. I’m impressed with how you have modified the original track plan and I would like to use your plan with a few mods of my own. I have a couple of questions for you if you wouldn’t mind. 1. What is the degree of the crossing on the Elmwood side? It looks to be about 30 degrees. 2. Are you planning on using the new atlas curved turnouts?
Thanks,
Matt
Hey Matt.
Correct on the crossing being a 30 degree crossing.
For my curved turnouts, I’m using two that I bought off of ebay from this seller:
http://stores.ebay.com/JSW-custom-trains?_rdc=1
They are custom built 16.5″ curved turnouts using Micro Engineering c55 track. He used the Fast Track jigs to make them. I would’ve liked to have used the Atlas ones (cheaper), but they don’t come in the size I need.
While these custom ones are a little pricey, it was still cheaper than buying the jig for just two turnouts and doing them myself.
Shaun,
Remind me again where you got the lights – most importantly that switch thingy. The single bulb fixture in my room is ok to keep from kicking the cat (!) but I”d like to have something a bit better. Of course, since I own mine, I suppose I could do trac lighting or something.
Here’s where I got all the fixtures from:
http://www.saviolighting.com/Saunter-s/125.htm
It’s the T4 size I use. They also have the switch, cables, etc…
Since they were the old fixtures installed on in the layout they are using the “daylight” bulb color, which I think is the 6400K.