Steve Engelhardt
One of the goals we try to achieve is finding ways to bring our modeling work “to life”. We do that by trying to create believable looking models first but frequently it looks “flat” and needs more detail to stimulate the mind. So, we do that by adding people, vehicles, scenery and the ultimate technique, animation. One great technique that has now become very easy to do is adding lighting to the buildings and scenery. It has been done somewhat for decades but now with the advent of LEDS it is quite easy to really make a scene “pop”. The photo shows a Santa CFe Road depot with over 46 LEDS. Full interior lighting, a lit billboard on the roof, exterior street lighting and even a large lit clock on the platform. This is only part of this scene. If you visit one of our shows you will see this model has a lit freight house and tall communications tower, all lit. In the back side of this building are cars with head and taillights. We now have a club modeling standard directing that all modules feature lighting. Come see what we have done if you can. If you want to come join us in the fun of model railroading, we are setting up our layout over Memorial Day (Saturday and Sunday only) at Sun Lakes CC. Also, we meet every second Saturday at Oakwood after lunch but please call me to make sure we have not moved the meeting. We welcome everyone.