Firstly, an argument could be made that this should be in the scenery forum, but I posted here because so many others have posted their RiverLeaf experiences here. If the Webmeister deems otherwise, so be it.
Secondly, I posted a new thread to avoid having to make updates to two separate threads, a matter of convenience for me. Apologies if that rankles anyone.
Thirdly, and probably most notably, I am not a good modeler. I have great ideas, but execution always seems to fall short. Glue and I have a sticky relationship. I remember building plastic models as a kid and winding up with something festooned with threads of Duco Cement. I have issues to this day. Paint is an interesting medium. It seems to have affinity for every surface, including me, except the one I am attempting to paint. In summary, I have limited skills and few tools. As a result, kits have always had a romantic attraction for me, but the results are rarely decent.
I was intrigued by the RiverLeaf offerings when Andre started to highlight them here. It seemed as if the kits would have pieces that actually fit together (not always the case, as i found out a little while ago). To cut to the end of this line of thought...the pieces DID fit together, much to my relief. That doesn't mean I didn't make mistakes. I certainly did and I am aware of them. No one needs to point them out. I know they are there.
My layout has many references to family and friends. A significant number of these are reflected in buildings and other structures that i have modified to honor an individual or family. I saw the opportunity for this in the RiverLeaf models.
My first effort was Ray's Music Exchange. My wife, Nancy, who is called Grancy by our grandkids, is a singer and musician. I decided to keep the music theme of this structure, but make it her business. She chose Grancy's Grace Note as the business name and decided she wanted a teal door. I used Andre's approach to building side graphics and added a Model Tech Studios animated roof vent. There is also interior lighting and shelving (which hides the wiring and motor for the vent), although these cannot be seen in the photos.
Here it is on the layout situated next the theater where my wife (Nancy Temple) and daughter (Judy Jerome) are on the bill in a production in which they actually performed together.
Here is a short clip showing the vent in action.
The second effort was Andre's Scuttlebutts establishment.
I have a long term and very dear friend who manages New York Dolls (NY Dolls) in lower Manhattan. Much like other NY institutions (Chrysler Bldg, Empire State Bldg, GCT, Statue of Liberty), NY Dolls has relocated to Winter Park and has been renamed Winter Park Dolls (WP Dolls). Unlike some of the dour exteriors in other examples, I have chosen a palette of hues of purple and silver. In what is almost certainly a code violation, dancers can be seen through the main window. The dancers currently on stage (Highball and Zephyr) are catering to the large number of railroad workers that WP Dolls attracts and are, temporarily, wearing RR themed attire. Model Tech Studios provided the vent and the rooftop access door. This is, frankly, too large for the roof space, but I had to have a way for the dancers who are off shift to reach the roof in order to catch some rays. Out front, Mr. Cool Dude waits for the dancer he is sure to join him. Don't hold your breath, Dude. Some patrons may have spent too much time in the Champagne room.
My experience (!) led me away from constant lighting. Instead, I have three LED's from RoyzTrains providing a more exotic atmosphere.
on the layout
and a short clip showing the lighting effect
Be kind 
