Unwrapped

I received many helpful suggestions on the issue of layout lighting, and it seemed that the overwhelming suggestion was to use fluorescent tubes to eliminate the hot spots from incandescent spot lights. Specific scenes can be lit with spots and using the two in combination may achieve even better results. I removed the track lighting system shown in my previous post and installed single tube fluorescent fixtures along what will be the edge of the layout or about 3-ft from the wall. Though not shown in the photo, I cut 6-in wide valances from Masonite to eliminate the glare on the aisle side of the fixture. The valances are attached to the side of the fixture with sheet metal screws.

With the ceiling and lighting well under way it was now time to unwrap the layout.  The layout had been covered in heavy plastic for more than two years and as I thought, some much needed maintenance was in order.  In addition, I wanted to complete as much of the back of the layout before securing it to the wall.

The biggest problem that I discovered was that some of the sections of flex track had popped loose most likely due to expansion.  The original track was laid when the basement was much cooler though I believe that had I used a stronger adhesive, there wouldn't have been an issue.  The flex track manufacturer recommends that the track be affixed using silicone caulk spread into a thin layer under the ties. But, my experience with the silicone caulk did not go well especially in areas where the silicone was spread too thin.  On the other hand, if it's spread too thick, then there's not sufficient depth between the ties for the ballast.  So, I had to find another alternative.

Here's a section of the flex track that had popped loose.  It's difficult to remove the old silicone caulk (another reason not to use it), but with some persistence it can be removed with a single edge razor blade.  The adhesive that works best for me is a product called Power Grab made by Locktite.  It comes in a squeeze tube and can be spread in a very thin layer.  It dries relatively quick (about 15-30 minutes) but not fast enough that the track can't be nudged into its proper alignment when placed.

Here's a photo of the Power Grab.  I spread it to a thin consistency using a piece of card stock cut to he width of the track base.  An old business card also works well.

This is a photo of the flex track secured in place with push pins until the Power Grab sets up.