First Cut at Building El Structure

So your gonna start making the pieces now, so you ready when you move? Do you have another place in mind that your comfortable with the new size?  His you finish the signals in the yard? Have you make any of the parts that will hold that one up?

Whassssss Up?

Great job!  OK! now where did you get that metal O scale  ruler? 

 

From the photos it appears the quality is up to par with your IND station.

 

Joe W

Hi Brian ...

 

Well if I get a place it may be a custom build.  I would like a 30x50 or a 31x50 with a detached garage.  I have attached a basement plan as well as the new layout track plan along with some 3D images of the elevated steelwork.  All of this is a work in progress.

 

I have a design for the parts that will hold up the girder bridge.  Basically cross girders either 5 or 6 scale feet along with channels to connect the track girders to the cross girders. I will include a short horizontal channel for each track girder in spots that will allow me to have a structure stand without gluing.   This is useful in modular design.  The pillars will be 5/16 inch I-beams (as per Steve Olsen).

 

You will notice that I have used some of my existing layout in the new design.  One feature is having an express track ramp above the existing 125 Street station.

 

I guess I like to plan for the future.

 

As far my current work on the existing layout, I have upgraded 7 benches with my new 2nd generation third rail and updated the tunnel lights on those modules.  I have started on the other half of the 125th Street station as well as the elevated work.

 

Regarding the ruler, I got it at a local hobby store.

 

 

Looks good Joe   I know a place where you can get girders like that for alot less work and about the same price

Hi Ben ... who sells those exact girders?  BTW I bought all the materials.  I should get a laser cutting machine. Then I could mass produce these girders, beams, signals, third rails, etc.  I was looking at the Epilog.  What do you use for the Silk City stuff?

Joe, just out of curiosity, that's a nice size space. Why modular and not a regular closed flat layout? By leaving a walk around and utilizing the center you pick up more square foot of board. My basement is 30x40. You should come have a look. Going with only measurements can be a lite deceiving. I don't see a staircase on your drawing. I'm looking to put an elevator in here to run all three floors. It can be done for about twenty five grand. It would be a lot easier if you figured it out with a new build. The motor etc can go up in the attic. Your walking ability could change a bit a some point, ya never know.  It's a good investment.  I found some good systems that go in the ceiling over the layout to prevent dust build up. I'm currently working on the garage floor then moving down to the basement. Got a lotta plans. I bought a laser cutter, when do you think you'll be ready to start?

Hi Brian ..The design is for a house with a 30x50 footprint.  The basement is actually 28x48 to compensate for walls and foundation.  My current basement is 14x51 if you get rid of the obstructions.  Additionally I have added 5 inches for the wall between the train room and the living space.  There is a staircase at the right.  Elevators ... wow.  Notice there a two 36 inch doors at each end of the train room plus another door at the back. This is not architect software.

 

A walk around would be nice, but I would have to add 4 more feet to the train room. If you look at the new design, how would you propose shrinking it to have a walk around? Modular designs are nice because they give you the flexibility to move the layout.

 

The laser cutting machine would be nice, but I need to justify spending the $10K+.  If it just for my hobby then there is none, however if one can get into engraving, building hobby parts, etc. than there is the possibility of building a small business.  I don't think I would want that in a basement, perhaps in an unattached garage.  These house plans are just in the talk stage now and nothing is definite, so I will continue to concentrate on my existing layout to the degree in which those portions I am working on will be reused later in addition to the elevated structure work.

 

Yes I want to see your place.  I know where it is.  You are literally walking distance from my girlfriend's home.

Joe let me know when it's good for you and come by for dinner, lunch whatever. I do plan on making money with the laser cutter I bought. I've been working on different designs when I have time. I'd like to stop by and see what your up too as well. It's been a while. 

Joe

We have two laser cutters now  The Epilog is much easier to use than the other one but we needed a bigger table size and more power.  We make them

Progress report.  I have 4 built.  Testing a jig for notching of the ribs for the webs which is the most time consuming process.  Each trestle contains 44 of these.