Regarding backdrops: Currently most of the walls are painted "Sky & Clouds" (and not very well done).
The canyon will mark a terrain dividing point with desert/rocky/dry physiography on the west end (nested 072/060 & Rock Base), the backdrop for that south wall will be akin to a western sky with a thin vainer of rock at the base.
East of the canyon will progress rural then to urban. With the perimeter access aisles, some perspective depth on backdrops can be done behind the High-Line. The east wall rolling hill backdrop, the north wall farming backdrop. Then some urban back drops around the fireplace foundations. At least that is what I am aiming to achieve.
As for the first operating sessions: Providing available time, due to the wiring requirements, 9-12 months out exclusive of operational test runs and landscaping.
This train only started off 8 years ago from Neil Young's Lionel "Greendale" train set I received as a gift. It sort of grew since then as my head filled with Jay Gould, Jim Hill and E.H. Harriman visions of grandeur.
Construction began in earnest a year and half ago with space preparation basement electrical/lighting augmentation and platform construction.
During the intervening years I was stockpiling (hoarding?) track, train sets, switches, cars, engines, power, wiring, buildings, accessory and landscaping supplies when ever I would see items on closeout sale.
As when a few years ago Hobby Lobby was closing out O-Gauge items and landscaping materials, I went to 9 Chicago area store locations on one Saturday or Charles Ro was selling remote 0-72 thru 0-48 switches for something like $50 each.
Again thank to everyone for the positive and encouraging comments.
Tim
