Excellent idea Peter.
I remember (not too long ago), watching a documentary where a Japanese soldier was calling out cadence (in Japanese of course) to the POW's as they were hoisting a large and heavy driver using ropes. As the soldier reached a certain number, the POW's let the weight fall, which in turn drove the pilings in deeper with each blow.
I will try to find a picture showing this method, and if I can find one, post it here for you if you like.
You also found some good pictures of what I think was called "Hellfire Pass" by the prisoners. Numerous persons died in this strip of the rail way. Your lighting idea will really help here.
On a lighter note, I like your humor, with the little figure in the saw dust...
Thanks for the updates.