@Papa Dave posted:Jan,
I’m afraid I will have to build custom supports to clear the tracks below. The Lionel trestles won’t work for me. A couple folks have mentioned using 1/8” hardboard under the track, which sounds interesting. I am getting some new ideas.
This is what I ended up doing, and for the same reason: I needed to clear the tracks on the main level.
I built my elevated line using wood dowels, scrap 1x4 boards left from a previous home project, and 1/2" plywood decking. Using my table saw, I cut beveled edges on the bases, and I used my drill press to drill the holes in the bases and the horizontal supports. The pieces were glued together with Tite Bond wood glue and then screwed to the table surface.
To ensure the vertical supports were as straight as possible, I made my own miniature version of a post leveler using 2 small levels glued to a short piece of wooden corner moulding. This came in very handy when it came time to install everything.
For the railings, I'm using this outstanding product made by Clouse Model Rails:
These rails add structural strength to the decking as well as improving the appearance. I highly recommend this product.
It isn't done yet, but here's what it looks like.
