Benchwork - Roadbed
Motorised Bridge finally tested and operating
I have finally completed the operational part of my road bridge and have been testing and tweaking it for 3 months and I'm happy with how it is working. This completes one of my laps around the room. So now I can plan my next project but with the quite chuff of a train in the background rolling by.
UPDATE 16 on my layout benchwork, backdrop, & talking, & check these other YouTube channel
What to consider with double deck layouts
I’m inclined toward doing a double deck layout that would provide some railfaning on the lower level with an interchange to a branch line on the upper deck.
My room has some limitations but an access door requires that there be 41” clear below the lower deck framing and, because of sloping ceilings, the upper deck might be shallow - right now it is mocked up at 12” deep but could be less.
Layout Benchwork Support Question
When it comes to holding up our layouts off the floor, there are 2 main ways to go. Using legs attached to the frame or using brackets attached to the wall.
LAJ Switching Layout West Side of LA River
Finally got a good plan for my LAJ modules. It is a combination of a few LAJ Switch Leads to give a maximum of industry & freight car types for my first modules. The switching side is now built & in my apartment. Have a start on the bridge & then will build the staging yard. My Plan is based on the "old" LAJ on the Vernon & Maywood side of the LA River. Chris Butts' layout is based on the Commerce side of the river but his plan does include the A Yard on the Vernon side. Charlie Slater sent me all 22 of the LAJ Switch Lead Maps.
Benchwork
I started on my benchwork. After looking at several styles I settled on L girder cantelivered on the wall.
My material list was:
2 sheets 3/4 4x8 plywood (Only used 1 1/2 sheets)
8 8' 2x2's
2 3/4" cabinet screws
15ga x 1 1/4" pin nails
Wood Glue
I attached 1 1/2 x 3/4 furring strips to the wall studs with 3 cabinet screws. The horizontal supports are 3/4 x 3 x 22" ply attached to the furring strips with 4 pin nails. I then used the 2x2 cut at 45 degrees to brace the horizontal braces. They are attached to the furring strip with a cabinet screw and pin nailed in an x patern to the horizontal brace. The L girders are all 3" plywood strips glued and pin nailed.
I was a little bit hesitant about using the plywood and light construction. The benchwork turned out bomb proof. There is absolitely no vertical or horizontal movement. I can put all my weight on it and it doesn't even creak. I could have easily gotten away with using 2 1/2 instead of 3" plywood strips.
I have a worksite table saw, miter saw, pin nailer and air compressor so it made for quick work. Even if I didn't have these I would highly reccommend renting them for 24 hours to do benchwork.
Thanks for reading
Steve
Cascade Sub Spline: Risers and Track
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