'BNSF' - A nice looking layout. I may come close to that but in my city the buildings aren't so tall. 3 or 4 stories is a lot. It would include the big dairy and Neenah Foundry that's close by. The rest are smaller and residential. The local farms all stand empty and waiting for subdivisions. The part of the room I'd use is 10' x 10' with one wall being 12.5' but it is between my bedroom and the next door ladies bedroom. So I'll want to keep it clear of tracks. It will be lined with plastic stackable shelves and computer work station. Time will tell. It depends on the government.
Do you want to raise just the layout/fascia, or the shelving, etc. around the base too? What do you have to lift it with?
The shelf unit it sits on now will stay in place. I obtained a bit of 3"x4"x8ft sticks of rough cut lumber from work. It's used as load bracing in some import containers we get so saved me from having to buy anything. I have cut and assembled two risers that will sit in top of the book shelves. I'll cave any parts that show with something smooth to dress it up. The fascia on the layout now is 8 inches and I will probably stick with that size but I could go to 10 inches maybe.... hmmmmmm. For lifting, the base of the layout is very rigid so the plan is some of my sons friends are "supposed" to come by Wednesday. Each person will get a corner and lift straight up while I place the new permanent risers in place. At this point, I am also adding some additional temporary risers to add more height so I can spend some time working on the wiring. If I can finish up the wiring work, before Christmas, I'll get the group together and remove the extra temporary risers and get the layout set to it's final new height. At that point, I will start on the fascia replacement part. Baby steps. Will definitely post pics as it goes
Oh, that's much too sensible @BNSF FAN . I'd suggest a rig as seen here, as lifted by a block and tackle affixed to the ceiling. Place reflective highway cones at each corner and provide everyone with hard hats, steel toed boots and hi-vis vests upon completion of a meeting to promote safety awareness.
About that block & tackle affixed to the ceiling... We'll need drawings and documented procedures for that, signed off by certified professionals.
Home Depot has 48" farm jacks for $65 ea. One on each corner (push the cabinets in a little). You've got plenty of rigidity in the framing, ply, and foam to lift via the 2x4 frame. Heck two on one end, and just one in the center of the other end would get it done too. You can sell them afterwards as "lightly used" and probably get most your money back for them. Or four buddies @ a six-pack each would do it too... Just don't give them their 6-packs until after they've lifted the layout for you!
3" x 4" in size actually. Those parts will raise the layout by 12" but now I'm thinking maybe only 8" might be better. I know that wood looks like overkill but hey, it was free. I wouldn't doubt you could set a mobile home on it. So, those 3 layers plus 2 more are in place. Layout is temporarily 20 inches higher now. I ll post a picture in the morning. For right now, I'm just trying to wrap my head around the rats nest of wiring and where to start on cleaning up my mess.
It's up high now and trains are running again! Wondering what kind of mess I have gotten myself into...... I will admit it's a cool new perspective for viewing the layout
While I was waiting on the guys to show yesterday, I uncovered this car in a box. Had completely forgotten I had put it there. Really need to get another decal of this and redo the car. To go along with the N scale version, here's the prototype. I shot it in Victorville CA back in 2013.
I find that viewing the layout from an N scale person’s perspective is much more satisfying than looking down from the airplane view. The covered hopper is pretty cool. I wonder what happened to the decal?
It seems you've added a considerable amount of weight on top of the bookshelves (?) so keep an eye on them for any signs of sagging, weakening, etc. But I really like the raised height, and enhanced viewing angle!
Right you are sir. I tried to do it so that all the weight is mainly on top of the vertical ends of those shelves. Hopefully a good bit of that weight will be able to be removed in just a few weeks. I kind of like the angle as well. When I lower it back down some, that same view I get standing, I should get from my chair or at least that's the plan.
I agree. I have put less weight on similar book shelfs and had two collapse with a single bump. Luckily it wasn't expensive. Also hope you guys have some good insurance. Injuries can be serious.
BNSF fan, What is the track height from the floor for your new layout? I use a 56” level for my N scale layout. It is about armpit-level and allows a realistic view but still allows me to reach over tracks to adjust cars. I started by viewing an MT car in my bathroom toothbrush cabinet and decided that was the height that I needed to see the car details. - Tonkphilip
My upcoming layout will be 42-45 inches above the floor. I know from experience that that works for me. I get the best view (for me) seated in my office chair and can stand up to reach the back of the layout when I need to. For reference I’m 5’8” tall.
Right now with the temp risers in place, she's sitting at about 60 inches. Once all is said and done, it will be in the 42 inch range. That feels just about right for a nice view when sitting and can still reach everything when standing.
