The Atlantic and Southern Build Thread Continued, Part 2

[ACL1504]

We had many great comments on bench work and what works. I normally don't like writing and especially don't like reading long winded/written narratives but I'll make an exception here.

I've used 1/2" 4 ply plywood topped with 1/2" Homosote on previous layouts. I've also used 3/4" plywood with cork roadbed.

On the current Atlantic and Southern RR layout, I used many different methods for the various sections.

The lower level bench work is supported by 2X2's bolted to the wall using tap cons. The actual bench work is 1X4's and 2X2 for leg supports.

The second level bench work is 2X2's (six inches in length) bolted to the wall. The cross braces and front board are all 1X4's as on the first level.

The front 1X4, on the second level, is supported by a 1X2 screwed to the second level 1X4, the first level 1X4 and extends down the 2X2 floor leg.

My 1X4 cross bracing is done on 16 to 18 inch centers.



The plywood for the first and second level is 3 ply 3/8" plywood. I've experience no major issues with any of the wood.

I did have one section of a 2X8 ft. plywood "cup" at one end. I solved this by adding an additional 1X4 cross member under the "cupped" area and screwed it down. This was almost four years ago and it hasn't been an issue since.


More in a few.

[ACL1504]

The base of the Ovalix is all 2X2 tap con'd to the wall and braced with 1X4s. The decking is 1/4" birch plywood. I went with 1/4" due to the height and possible weight of the Ovalix. After almost 5 years, I've experienced no warping on the Ovalix. However, the 1X4 white risers are spaced every 12 to 14 inches and the birch plywood is screwed at each riser.

I've used drywall screws for all wood, no glue except to join two pieces using a splice but them the splice is still screwed to each board.

The upper level is all on 1X3's and 3 ply 3/8" plywood to reduce the weight. Metal wall brackets and shelf brackets are used for the third level.

All the info on my last two posts are scattered through out the entire two A&S RR threads. Here you have it all in two posts.

Now, on to the build.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Bob,

Great idea, Shays are fast. How about just letting him use a Climax loco instead?

Tom

Careful.....at my age that could be disastrous.....

Jim


Jim,

Not sure I want to go there.

Tom

[GPdemayo]

Bob,

Great idea, Shays are fast. How about just letting him use a Climax loco instead?

Tom

Careful.....at my age that could be disastrous.....

Jim


Jim,

Not sure I want to go there.

Tom

Thanks.....can we now get on with the layout? 

[jerryrbeach]

Tom,

The LED lighting is stunning!  Yet again you have again caused me to rethink how I go about my modeling.  I now wish I had used a shadowbox approach to building my modules so I could light my layout with LED's as you did.   

Jerry,

You can still use LEDs on your layout. You only need to build a light weight canopy over the existing layout.

Tom

Tom,

Since I saw your photos I have been trying to figure out how I might support such a canopy over the layout.  Right now I am of the opinion that I would have to use some steel or aluminum angle to construct the canopy.  I do not think wood supports would be rigid enough to avoid the canopy sagging over time.  I believe that I could have used wood supports had I designed the modules differently. 

Jerry,

I took another look at your layout thread. What about using a 1X1 vertical post with a 1X1 horizontal post secured with a triangle brace? Top cover could be either black fabric or poster board. Very little weight for the total. The 1x1 could be fastened to the rear of the banch work.

Tom

Tom,

Thank you so much!

I was so locked into trying to figure out how to build a canopy from wood or Masonite I completely overlooked the obvious.  Now that you opened the door for me, I am thinking along the lines of a lightweight framework with foam core artist board on top.  I'll probably just use the "Rube Goldberg" lights I now have until I get a lot further along in construction since they do not restrict access to the layout from above.  I definitely see an overhead canopy and LED lights as something I will be adding to enhance the overall appearance and lighting of the layout.

[ACL1504]

Jerry,

You are very welcome. I hope you can do it as the lighting effect of LEDs is really stunning.

Tom

[ACL1504]

I installed another 8 ft. section of the third level, this time on the East wall.

I changed my idea of building the entire section including the plywood decking. Since I'm installing the LED lighting, I found it easier and quicker to leave off the plywood so I have better access to the LEDs and buss line for wiring them. More on this later in the build.



You can see there is no decking on the 1X3 frame.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

Yes, it is level on all points, N, S, E, W and all points in between.





Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

Here is a look with five sections of the third level installed. Only one, the original section is decked at this point.



I noticed the LEDs weren't as bright as I hoped.  They seemed to get slightly dimmer as they were lit around the room. I emailed, Doug Fletcher, Onewolf forum member, and then realized I had the LEDs wired in series or daisy chained to be clear. They should have been wired parallel with each LED section wired directly to the LED buss.

It made all the difference in the world. More on this later as well as soon as I get it all wired correctly.

Tom

[PRR Modeler]

You are really making rapid progress and it all looks great.

[Lynnb]

Moving along , won't say fast or slow but moving along and looking good.

[Bruce Oberleitner]

Damn Uncle Tommie,
It's amazing how much good modeling you can do in a short period of time.  I need to convince you to come to Boise and help me with my railroad.  How about a case to 2 ltr bottles of Diet Pepsi? 

He He

[MAP]

Really great progress Tom.  I'm still amazed (at this point I shouldn't be) at how much wonderful work you get done in such a short time. 

[ACL1504]

You are really making rapid progress and it all looks great.

Curt,

Yes, when my Babe doesn't have any 1:1 stuff I need, er, she wants me to do.

Isn't it about time for your visit?

Tom

[ACL1504]

Moving along , won't say fast or slow but moving along and looking good.

Lynn,

Moving along a somewhat of a steady pace these days. And, thank you for the compliment.

Tom