Progress ...

These two views show the area under construction with the first cantilever completed and the second upright in place. Following the advice in a good benchwork book and that of a professional carpenter at my local DIY lumber store, I'm off to a good start. Verticals are 16 inches on centers. Eight of them will span the 10 foot wall and the area near the door will join the other side using the previous detachable, 2 track bridge used on the old layout.

The key to everything, of course is to be level. This includes the vertical 2x2's and the extended 1x3's salvaged from the old railroad. Measured at 40 inches to the top of the extensions, these pieces provide a 27" depth from the outside to the point where they join the vertical upright. The extensions will be the base for a 1/2 inch plywood top. The design will support in excess of 30 pounds with the weight forcing downward against the cinder block wall.

Minor adjustments will be made using shims on the base. Professional advice led me to use 3 1/4 Tapcon screws with Phillips heads so they could be countersunk. It's best to try to make placement of the attach points in the center of the cinder block, but as you can see from the photo below, blocks are not in perfect straight alignment. If you run screws against some blocks that are not even, you run the risk of "canting" the upright and being forced to make unwanted shim adjustments for level on the 1/2 inch plywood base.

I used a thicker gusset from leftover 1x3's to add stability to the 2x2 angled leg. It was attached at the 45 degree lower upright using decking screws as was the meeting point between the two horizontal extensions. The 2x2's purchased were 8 feet long and cut to 55 inches. The remaining portion was cut to 45 degrees at one end and used as the angled brace.

I like this design because it will give me an easy access storage space underneath the layout and is also easier to work with wiring etc. using a small stool to avoid back and neck strain. I chose the height as most convenient for me to operate by myself or with up to four additional friends. Fascia up to the height of the upright will provide a backdrop surface; unfortunately, I can't move the light switches, so a cut-out will have to be made there.

I'm really pleased with the recycling of materials from the old layout and the sturdiness of the construction. One down - seven more to go. Will post progress pictures as I move along.

Light switches ...

How high are you taking your backdrop? Maybe move the switches to just above that? Piece of cake if your backdrop ends about where your upright ends in the picture. 

Randy

Light Switches

Backdrop does end at the height you saw; however, I'm not an electrician and it's not really worth the effort. Some type of Gibbs Rule - - leave well enough alone. LOL! Got two of the uprights finished in one day; should be done by the end of the week and then can start on the plywood base.

Looking good

    I don't  think the light switches will be a problem, caulk around them and paint them sky blue and you'll probably never notice them when operating.  I'd probably make those 45 degree gussets out of plywood though as short wide pieces of lumber tend to split....DaveB

Gussets

Been looking at that. Have completed two so far and may have to change them now before completing others. Since the sub-roadbed is 1/2 inch on top, I might get away with 1/4 inch pieces as gussets? Can get partial pieces cheap that size and cut them up. Maybe a bit larger too?

 "Since the sub-roadbed is

1/2 inch scraps from the roadbed would be fine. 1/4 ply should work as long as it's good quality so as to hold the screw shanks tightly.  A bit taller so that two screws could go into the angled braces would offer some insurance against the screws loosening in their holes over time.....DaveB 

gussets

make the lower gussets larger and they will provide more strength and wont allow twist, plus if you make them say 10 inches wide at the top or more, you can span a shelf for storage across a few of them . 

miguel

For many of us moving things

For many of us moving things like outlets and switches, water heaters or even a furnace is not a big deal and just takes the time to do it. However if it is a task you are not comfortable with then it is likely better to be left to those that are or left alone. In many cases an accident with power tools or electricity can have major consequences and tasks that are easy for some turn out to be a major difficulty for others. David I commend you for deciding to leave something alone you may not be comfortable with or that you think is too much work and finding another way.

Posting photos

Thanks. Did not know that - will comply. (See, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. . . LOL)

pics

I don't see the pics. Did they get removed?

pictures

I think the resize bug got the pictures. I used my special powers and have fixed them.

Magic

Thanks for the "sleight of hand." I didn't know they had disappeared. Work is going slowly but is progressing.