After the decorating, the structure (benchwork) was constructed from 2 X 4 dimensional lumber and topped with ¾” plywood. The dimensional lumber was fastened with screws and a combination of butt joints and Kreg pocket joinery.
I chose to make the height of the benchwork 28”. I know this goes against most conventional thought. In my case, it is easier to lay on my back to work under the layout and the 28” height makes it easier to reach across the layout if I have to make adjustments or clear a derailment.
The wiring of the benchwork consisted of two power platforms, with switches for transformer power (115 volts), Department 56 lighting (115 volts), under benchwork lighting (115 volts), track power (low voltage), and a low voltage circuit for accessories.
The track power is daisy-chained with four drops to each main line. There are three main lines on each side of the room, and one for the shelf layout. The daisy-chained lines are identified by different colored twist ties. There is a power drop to each track in the middle of each end curve and each straight-away. I had originally planned for an elevated platform layout and bridge joining the two sides of the room at the fireplace end. This idea has been abandoned, and new platform will ultimately accommodate six loops of N Scale track and some really great Kato trains.
The fans under the benchwork are set to run three times daily for 20 minutes. I do this to keep air circulation both under the layout and between the floor tile and the concrete slab.
