Hi Pete - could you explain the "shadow gap" - not come across this before?

 

Hi Jon - sure - it's an expression from the architectural profession, we use to describe the interface of two (can be differing) materials, which are normally spaced apart to allow for their movement, expansion etc. Termed shadow gap (or sometimes shadow detail) and normally about 10 or 20 mm wide and deep, it does just that - it allows a shadow to form inbetween the two flush surfaces and visually lets the two materials breathe, expressing the joint rather than trying to hide it.

Often used in contemporary buildings around interior doorways and skirtings or the detailing of furniture etc - next time you take a plane, have a look between the curved metal panels in the soffits above, which is another example of it. When white or light materials are used, it creates a sharp neat shadow between them and (in my eyes) looks rather smart.

In the context of my drawing, I like the idea of using it to express the joint between the bottom of my layout fascia and the fabric running below it.

hth,

Pete

Hi Pete, As if your sketches weren't good enough, that model of the layout is neat. The shape of one of the figures is quite nice too. I find myself wondering whether you'' pursue this mock-up completely and put down some T gauge track and stock to represent Coombe Junction. And perhaps display that on the platform .

It's looking good Pete... I need to start planning my little TMD layout and the way you go about this gets the old grey cells ticking over. Thanks!

Jon- Thanks - I admit, I do like making the mock ups and they do help flush out design issues before you start making at full size - I think I won't go down the T gauge route though...I recently went in the other direction and purchased a Lima O class 33...my 20:20 unfortunately disappeared about 30 years ago!

Hi Pete

I'm interested by the "shadow gap " idea. How will you create the gap between the fascia and fabric?

Alex

Alex - I have drawn a quick scale detail showing my thoughts.

Basically a SW frame structure for the legs will be first assembled, with intermediate lighting supports at the rear as per the small scale model. Then the black fabric will be double sided taped to the structure as indicated by the dot dash line on the sketch. Finally the layout boards will locate into the support structure with the black painted softwood filets created the shadow gap, trapping the fabric and allowing the front of the layout to align flush with the fabric.

Well.....that's the plan anyway...now, all I need to do is contact my friend Andy in the UK and ask if he minds building the layout support structure for me

Pete

EDIT - Sorry but can't seem to crack the uploading an image into a reply so will add a new entry - Pete