@Paul Kallus posted:Once again, during my semi-annual trip to Nicholas Smith Trains (coincides with dentist appts. in nearby town) I was blown away by just how neater the displayed trains appear at the 6' to 7' shelf level, given that I stand about 5'11" tall. Whether steam or electric engines, looking slightly upward at them I notice more detail than I do if looking down at the same model at 34" to 44." I believe the recessed soft white lighting within the shelves also plays a key part in the dramatic feel. Yet, the notion of building a layout at 7' high is ridiculous because the track would have to be right on the edge and you wouldn't be able to see past the mainline (not to mention you'd need a very high ceiling and having to work on stilts). If you go too high, like Wegman's G-scale operating ceiling track runs, you lose perspective of detail, though it always nice to see a train running
BTW: Nicholas Smith Train Store is worth a visit. Unfortunately, stores like this are far few and far between and likely getting rarer as people gravitate to online shopping. I got lucky the other day as they had just put out some warehouse finds; I just happened to come across them in the maze of aisles: a rare Polar RR car and caboose, and an older Lionel switch tower that I've been looking for. Plus, seeing stuff in person beats the pants off of catalog and online pictures.
Here's an older video I found on Youtube, though it doesn't capture the impression of being in person, plus the video is not as clear and stable. The higher level shelves appear around 41 seconds into video. I am not trying to plug Nicholas Smith, rather am curious what others think of how trains look awesome at a slightly higher eye elevation. I tried kneeling down in my basement to gain a similar perspective of trains on my outer mainline (near edge of layout) and couldn't get the effect. It's likely that my basement lights (overhead florescent) are inadequate (too bright); and I am going to experiment with UV shields this winter. Then again, maybe there's just something special about Nicholas Smith upper level train shelves
Thank you for sharing! Nicholas Smith is my go to local favorite. Chris, Joe and the rest are the best. Iām blessed for being so nearby. Best! š
