Finally remembered - the helium tank car is similar to my general thought of how I envisioned your mysterium transport. Image search
Thanks to you I have decided to go with a 38" x 10' open frame work. I called my local lumber yard. They will cut to size, (for a price), and deliver for free what I need. I'll be able to screw it together. How does one hold the foam to the wood frame? Fluid Dynamic - I'm sorry, I guess there won't be a paid vacation in winter to Boston for you.
GG Nice Logo! I have tried both ways with and without plywood. The with plywood is better, even just 1/4". The no plywood is ok, I used liquid nails to attach the foam, hope no wood is warped. Loco1999
GG: Use 1/2 " plywood to cover the top of the frame. Then add 2 inch thick foam on top of the plywood. That gives you 2 1/2'" of material on top of the frame. Use 1x6"s or 1x8"s to hold the frame together. When you build the frame, drop the cross braces 2 1/2 inches below the top of the 1x6's. In that way when you add the 1/2" plywood and 2 inch foam, the foam will be level with the 1x6 or 1x8 frame. Also build the height of the benchwork to at least 50". Stay cool and run steam....
Thanks Bob! This is what I think you said: Top layer of foam comes up even with top of frame. 1X6s for Legs? [ 13. January 2005, 02:13: Message edited by: Grey One ]
GG: Thats the design I used for the JJJ&E. You can cover the 1x6 or 1x8 frame with the fascia of your choice. I painted the frame a flat black as well as the fascia. Stay cool and run steam....
Here is the space plan. The layout will change to fit the space and whatever realty dictates. Phase I will include Table 1 the top 9 square feet of Table 2. At the moment I have no idea how. I need to see the exact demands of the track. Maybe On Table 2 Phase I A reverse loop on the Grey Line A level reverse loop starting from the curve at Row 3 Column 7 and using the bottom half of Table 2. Temporary staging yard. Phase II Lots of mountains Lots of big curves and maybe even one “tehachapi like” loop with 19” radius A large yard hidden behind the mountains for staging and such. This might even have a removable cover to keep dust and such off cars and track. Several industries [ 13. January 2005, 01:49: Message edited by: Grey One ]
7x10' L shape........should give you a lot of possibilities. I'm looking forward to the construction photos.
FD, The benchwork construction? Ok and will do. I'll try to "document" it Step by Step if I can without making it boring.
GG: Your plan is very well organized. When you have all your track laid down, you'll be able to envision all the scenic possibilities. I like the "L" shaped arrangement. Stay cool and run steam....
Bob, the construction design you reconmmend is certainly sturdy. It does preclude creating ravines and such. [ 13. January 2005, 02:15: Message edited by: Grey One ]
GG: In this photo, there is a river running to the left of the double track mainline on the right. It run 2-3" below the double mainline line. and is 6-7 " below the mainline on the upper level. Stay cool and run steam....
I just had a flash. Till now I have thought in terms of the center section as being in a valley. That started to bother me because I have never seen a layout with the center depressed. The more I thought about it and tried to visualize it things seemed wrong. You would end up looking down on everything and that would just not look right. Question: Is there any reason not to raise the center? Answer: No, in fact that would be a very good idea. And much easier to build. Ya know, maybe this whole “can’t get to the lumber yard because I can’t drive” thing has been a blessing in disguise. Edit: Looking at Bob's picture above this post maybe that is where the thought came from. Hmm
Steve: I look down on a good portion of the JJJ&E. Many of the lower elevations are in the middle of the layout. It makes for interesting picture taking. The upper level also crosses over several lower levels. It makes for an interesting layout that way. many train mainline locations are completely hidden from view, eliminating the "need" for a scenic divider. The "scenery" is the scenic divider on the JJJ&E. Here is another unfinished portion of the JJJ&E, taken from the new Turntable/engine facility area. You can see four different levels of the JJJ&E from this view. Stay cool and run steam.....
