Superior & Seattle Railroad Build (Volume 2) Started 2/25/17

[S&S RR]

Tomorrow morning I will do a once over on all the seams with the belt sander and it will be time to start laying track.  I have some work to do on the framework in the hallway and then I will  also add the plywood there. I also need to put the hole through the wall to the South side of the yard, in the hallway. I did a little test with the laser to see if I could use it to put down the lines for the track. This track is going to be straight - works great.

[S&S RR]

I don't know how you do EVERYTHING You do John. (Amazing Job)

Thank you Dennis.  I'm having fun!

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looking good, John.

Structurally wise, as you have used 4x2's on their flat rather than their edge, this is really no difference to using 2x1's on their edge.  The span seems to be 4' (going by the timber paneling probably being 2' wide).  I wonder whether you might be wise to cut some jack studs and slip them in with some glue between what you have (ie 2' centers).  I believe the rule is 1' of span for every inch of thickness.  On their edge you would have achieved this.  Probably overkill - but also about 10 minutes of easy work.  Cut them nice and tight and use a bar to lift the top 4x2 up a couple of mm's while you slide into position, pre glued.

As always I am amazed by your energy levels!  I find your thread very motivating!

Cheers, Mark.

[S&S RR]

Looking good, John.

Structurally wise, as you have used 4x2's on their flat rather than their edge, this is really no difference to using 2x1's on their edge.  The span seems to be 4' (going by the timber paneling probably being 2' wide).  I wonder whether you might be wise to cut some jack studs and slip them in with some glue between what you have (ie 2' centers).  I believe the rule is 1' of span for every inch of thickness.  On their edge you would have achieved this.  Probably overkill - but also about 10 minutes of easy work.  Cut them nice and tight and use a bar to lift the top 4x2 up a couple of mm's while you slide into position, pre glued.

As always I am amazed by your energy levels!  I find your thread very motivating!

Cheers, Mark.

HI Mark


Thank you for following along.  I will be adding 1"x 4" edge wise on the widest section once all the tortoise machines (there will be a lot of them) are in place. I'm not concerned about strength but I want to make an L section to make sure I don't get any warpage down the road. I spent a lot of time getting the top surface flat and want to keep it that way.

[postalkarl]

Hey John:

It's looking good. Can't wait for some more progress reports.

Karl

[deemery]

I think a cheap laser level is a good investment.  It's always great to see this kind of work (that goes underneath the track.)


dave

[S&S RR]

Hey John:

It's looking good. Can't wait for some more progress reports.

Karl

Thanks Karl.  I started laying track today. I will post more pictures when I have made significant progress.

[S&S RR]

I think a cheap laser level is a good investment.  It's always great to see this kind of work (that goes underneath the track.)


dave

Dave


I find the laser levels to be a very useful tools in the layout room.  The benchwork is the foundation for everything that comes after.  It needs to be strong enough to do the job and easy access is critical for all the wiring, turnout controls, signals, etc.  I can reach every location under this new section of benchwork.  Once everything is complete the facia boards will cover it up.  The cabinets are sink bases so the front panels just pop off if I need to get into the works for maintance.

[Dennis Bourey]

Morning John, Long time ago on page 87 2nd picture is that Lattice Beam bought or made by you? Thanks Dennis

[S&S RR]

Morning John, Long time ago on page 87 2nd picture is that Lattice Beam bought or made by you? Thanks Dennis

Dennis


I bought those beams from Plastruct - I believe they are still available.

[Dennis Bourey]

Thank you sir............

[S&S RR]

Update:  The top of the benchwork has been sanded - let the track work begin.

[S&S RR]

Today, I put down the track on the upper level for the helix and reversing loop. While the glue was drying the layout work was started for the yard.  This job is so much easier with the laser.  It has been a long time since I started track work for a large section of a layout.  I'm really having fun with this.

[S&S RR]

I finished the day by starting to put the cork in place.

[Jerry]

Progress at its finest!!

Jerry