Hi all,

I'm hoping to build a 10'6" x 3'9" (max) dog-bone N-scale "rail-fanning" layout - maximum mountain scenery and limited track with probably only five turnouts on the whole layout. A high scenic divide (probably hardboard), will run about 8' down the center of the layout giving me two viewing sides.

My space is limited. When not in use, the layout needs to be pushed against a wall but to enable me to access both sides I need to be able to pull it away out into the room.

I'm building a rather large O Scale helix as part of my layout's construction.

There have been several posts here and on other forums about the use of LED strips for overall layout lighting.  In general those who try it seem to be having reasonable results, though some have felt it necessary to augment it with more conventional devices in some way, e.g. for spot effects.  With the higher luminosity varieties (5050s), low power consumption, a low amount of waste heat and a low and easily concealed profile, LEDs offer a lot of advantages.

Does anyone know the manufacturers trade name for pink or blue foam please?

I live in the UAE and after having toured all the building suppliers in the industrial area of the City, and found none (but more polystyrene than you can throw a stick at), I now have a local building engineer who I can call.