New Layout Bones Are Finally Complete

Hi Bob:

 

Very nicely done. I did something similar, but I had problems when adding an upper level. I had trouble trying to get all of the second tier to be level, as the 3/4" plywood wasn't always completely flat, what with the sound-dampening 2" "pink foam insulation" sheets over the plywood first level.

 

The other thing I wished I had done was make at least one loop with minimum O-72 curves to run the long passenger cars and large steam engines I swore I "really didn't want." I managed to build a cantilevered second tier, but I am not really happy with it (even after 2 years).

 

But kudos for your progress. I am looking forward to seeing your progress. I still am having fun building the layout, as much as running trains on it; I hope you have a great time building yours!

 

Bruce

Great start Bob.

Bruce:  Can't you see the sunshine, can't you just feel the moonshine?

I too struggled with using O72.  The room layout just wouldn't allow it.  I used to run O81 on my carpet layout.  It was great!  Long trains, big cars and 32" engine/tender set ups.  So, I had those days, and that fun.  Now, O54 is all I can manage, so I chose all my locos and cars so that nothing would require any larger diameter track.  I will also be using O31 and O42, and, I may even sneak in some O27 if I can find some room.  It is my intention to have six trains operating on each side o the layout.  So, the task will necessitate having multiple levels.  It will be a challenge.  

Hello Bob, looks great !!!!!

I don't think you can beat 2x4's for construction.

 

I like the idea of the levelers on the legs this will defiantly come in handy as time goes on.

 

On my current layout I went the same route but when it came to the top I went cheap and used 5/8 press board and now I am paying for it with a sags in the top.

 

Next time I am going to spend the extra money and use a good quality ply wood like what you would use for a sub floor in a house.

 

Are you going to use a hole saw and cut thru the 2x4's to route your wiring or are you going to hang the wiring on the bottom side of the 2x4's with hangers ?

 

Take care, have fun !!!!

Very nice work Bob. 2x4 is the way to go, It's extremely strong.

 

 

Alex

Mark:

 

I've decided to go with the hangers.  I bought a bunch of plastic 5/8" pipe hangers off eBay.  I'm going to be using copper speaker wire (stranded) in 14, 16, and 18 gauge.  I will have at least four power drops in each mainline.  There will be 6 mainlines on each side of the layout.  Each mainline will be fed separately.  I have two Lionel ZW-L's and two MTH Z4000's.  The shelf layout will operate off a MTH Z1000.  I also have an old Lionel TW for accessory lighting.  There will be 120 volt power for the ceramic village lighting.  I will be changing all the  incandescent bulbs in the ceramic village to LED's.  All my passenger cars will be changed over to LED bulbs too.  

Hi Bob, your layout foundation looks good. Good choice of 2x4' s don't see hardly any knots and they look straight as an arrow. The levellers are a good idea also. I put them under my table legs and they are well worth the time and effort. You're going to have one fine train room. Look forward to seeing more pics as you progress.
Ray.

Hi Bob

Like all the bright colors.

Gary

• Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway

Good start Bob...  I built my benchwork out of 2x4 material too and am glad I did...I can walk around on top when needed....and I have needed to do so every once in a while.  PLUS it is less expensive than 1x4s.  I really like the room colors and the floor too!

 

Alan

Looks like a fortress Bob.

 

Is there going to be a bridge so that it forms a "U"?

 

It all looks so clean!

 

A man with a plan. Great looking train room.

NICE ROOM!!!!!!!!

 

Nice, clean benchwork too

 

- walt

Bob,

I used levelers on my previous layouts and they worked great!  I am thinking you mean you will have loops at the ends by the room entrance, then the 40" crossovers at the fireplace will tie the two sides together into a long dogbone that is bent into a U shape at the middle.  It sounds good.  I will have to check it out when we make the trip to Wheeling!!

Mark, you are correct.  There will be an elevated dogbone at the fireplace. Not so much as a U shape, because it will cross the fireplace hearth on the double wide bridge on straight runs. There will be reversing loops and dogbone loops on the two sides tying the front of the room to the back.  This is where it get complicated.  I don't know if I want to try crossovers of elevated trestles to get in all the track I need.  It'll be a fun challenge to try to get it ll into the space I have.  I've got lots and lots of wood around here to build whatever I need.  

Good bones, Bob. Nice workmanship.

Looks great Bob...Thanks for keeping us updated on your progress!

 

Jeff Davis

Sam, clean, and bare.  I have been keeping up with the sawdust.  I did notice, as I started the assembly, with each piece, the room got smaller.  I don't understand this phenomena.  Perhaps, it's just an optical illusion.  

Bob - I would comment, but you clearly stated that you weren't looking for any so I won't.

 

Art

....

Thanks

 

LOL! I like a guy that's got a good sense of humor!

 

Have fun in your new play room!

I liked your original comment because it was direct, to the point………….

Thanks Art.  No point in pumping up my ego.  It's too big already.  

Would you give an estimate of the cost of all materials so far: wood, fasteners, levelers, etc., etc.

How many square feet of layout have you framed?

Thank you

My layout will occupy approximately 120 square feet of floor space.  I would estimate the cost of just the lumber and leg levelers to be approximately 600 dollars.  I was considering using one of the custom manufactures and estimate that cost to be more that twice what I have invested.

 

There are many additional costs when building a layout.  I have more lumber for building structure. Wiring, drawer mounts, materials for scenery and track all add to the cost.  

 

 

Do you use the fireplace?

Great start Bob. I'm anxious to watch your progress. Please continue to keep us up to date. 

 

BTW:

Bruce:  Can't you see the sunshine, can't you just feel the moonshine?

I see your a JT fan and you're goin to Carolina in your mind.  

 

Nice bench work Bob,  love the checkerboard tile flooring too..........

 

Mark

Carl:  Short answer, no I don't use it.  

 

It's a wood burner, and I actually did use when we first moved into the house.  But some rascals had built a nest in the chimney and we (I) smoked up the house pretty good until I could get a ladder up there to remove the interloper's home.  Later, I set it up with gas and a gas log, and we (my sons) used it after I had built the room.  At that time, the room was designated as a "game room".  My sons, all three, found many other uses for it, however.  Then, the room became my office for 20+ years, and now it has become MY train room.  And, the fireplace will interfere with railroad traffic. (This was the LONG answer)

Pat:  I actually realized that good old JT had written this song.  My exposure to it was through Melanie Safka.  I had just met Vija, the summer of 1970.  Melanie's record album, Candles in The Rain, was very popular back then.  Vija bought me a copy of the album, and we've been together ever since.  She was 17 and I was 24.  Good days then, better now.  

I did that, so if I get bored running trains, I can play a GIANT game of checkers.  

Bob,

Beautiful work so far, however, you did not include the cost of your Kreg Jig in your guesstimation. I was going to offer you a truly snarky remark. I'll allow someone else to have that honor.

Pappy, the Kreg jig was purchased awhile back and has been in service since it arrived.  There aren't many things around here that I built, that don't have pocket joints.

I know the feeling of pride. Mine is in my shop, locked up. lol! I'm not able to use it these days, hopefully again soon. 

I thought the Kreg jig is a tool I should get, but after watching the video on their Web site, I am sold.  It looks like a must have for a clumsy carpenter such as myself!  Thanks, Bob!