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Last year I started a major overhaul of my toy train layout.  My first post was about the completion of my engine and freight yard.  Several months ago I began the replacement of a 26 foot elevated section.  Now, I can report that this part of the project is substantially completed. 

 

I am going to try to give an overview through pictures of how I built this.  First up are pictures of how the original elevated layout appeared using Lionel risers. 

 

 

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After much consideration I contacted Jim Robinson from Bridgeboss.  It would have been easy to build an elevated track using plywood and stanchions but I wanted something that would give my layout a very realistic and dynamic appearance and Jim's products are excellent.  In addition he provides excellent advice and accurate renditions for fitting the product into your layout.  Additionally, he must have made some kind of arrangement with Rich Batista who did a very good video of modifying the original pieces to improve their appearance.  I watched Rich's video multiple times and incorporated many of his suggestions.  The Bridgeboss product comes in pieces.  You can order them made-up but I wanted the flexibility to modify where need.  No rendering of a train layout fits exactly.  Being able to adjust and fudge is a big help.

 

Below are pictures of my progress.

 

  

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I continued my love affair with low profile and durable O27 track.  To mate the track to the risers and track support beams I modified the beam with a 1 3/8" attachment.  I placed three rail plastic ties under all of the track and then screwed it down to the support beams.

 

 

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There is lots of room for modeling on this section of the table which I am looking forward to. This is the end result and I would appreciate any and all feedback. 

 

 

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Here is a short video:

 

 

Attachments

Images (23)
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  • BB 14.2 O27 Ties
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  • BB 14.5 O27 Screw down
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Videos (1)
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The revised elevated track added much realism to you layout with the bridge girders and support structures, I have two elevated grade embankments with truss and plate girder bridges on the layout I am building so I understand the time it took to complete your project. In my opinion,the addition of elevated tracks either through girder and support structures or grade embankments at different elevations add much detail to a model railroad. 

Thank you all for your kind words.  Alan and Alex I have so much respect for your work and effort on behalf of model railroading.

 

John your are so correct.  This project took me 3 months to complete.  I wanted it done by Christmas and finished in the nick of time.

 

Matthew and Lee - There is so much information available to help model train track and scenery here on this forum.  I hope I added a few tidbits.  Several of the members offer great how to videos.  The only thing you have to watch out for is not to get discouraged!!!  Thankfully I am not a perfectionist because if you view some of this work, one can get flat down on themselves because it is hard to spend the time/money/energy to make those beautiful layouts.  Always remember that if it makes you happy then its yours and that's all that counts. And, it is a progression.  I lived with my Lionel/MTH trestles for many years, very happily.  But, as time went on I grew in my skills and felt I could take on the challenge of improving my layout. 

 

My best to all of you....

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