Well I started the first section of bench work today. Nothing fancy, just a grid with legs to check height......but it sure was fun doing it!
Cool, Jerry. After all the great Engineer Classes that you have given to us, I am sure I'm speaking for everybody that we wish you the best with your layout project. (smile)
Jerry, Looking good and yes it is exciting when you start construction. One comment though, you may need some cross bracing on the legs to keep the benchwork sturdy.
Cross bracing is next. (Just anxious to get the pictures posted!) [ October 05, 2005, 05:50 PM: Message edited by: OC Engineer JD ]
Jerry: It looks like you've made a great start. Keep posting the photo's. Stay cool and run steam.......
Looking good Jerry. Take a bunch of pictures - it'll be very cool to look back at them once you get your layout up and running! Keep the pics coming! I can't wait to see a 199 train running along the top of that benchwork!
Jerry, looks like a great start. I remember how excited I was with my first bit of bench work. For all you have contributed to this board and others I know no other person that is more deserving of a great big area for a nice large layout. You have a good looking track plan and can't wait to see your progress. You know, given the area you are modeling an SP Daylight pulled by a PA/PB set might look nice. Gosh, I have those. I may have to visit Good luck with the building.
Great stuff! Jerry, it looks as though you built the benchwork with 2x4's.. Sure will be sturdy! Forget the Daylights,a nd Santa Fe stuff, toss on an ABBA set of D&RGW 4-stripe F3's and a California Zephyr, and some rugged mountain scenery, and you'd be (Aspen) golden! Your trackplan?
Jerry...I'll echo everyone else'c comments about good luck & having fun with your project. I assume the warped legs in the photo are temporary but a suggestion...I use levelers at the bottom of my table legs in order to fine tune the height to ensure each section is 100% level using the screw-in furniture type glide. Here in the Southeast, maybe even Alabama, humidity can cause expansion & contraction problems with wood. This will be especially helpful if your layout eventually sits on carpet.
I do love the smell of freshly swan wood. Cedar, fir, pine.... Maybe because it smells like progress? Keep the pictures coming! Boxcab E50
I was going to do all the benchwork open grid, so I could take it apart if I ever moved, but, looking at my plan and what I want to do in some areas, I think I will have some L girder construction too.
