Ogden & Cache Valley, Part II

[Onewolf]

I built stairs for the center platform out of 2x12 boards. The steps are at 7" 14" 21" and 28" (the floor of the center platform).

[Onewolf]

I started working on the support columns for the helix structure. The helix will be a double track (radius 37.5" and 40") and allow trains to go between the lower level at 40" and the middle level at 60".



The upper return loop will be above the helix at 80" elevation. I have installed the sub-roadbed 3/4" plywood to help stabilize the helix support columns.

[Onewolf]

I installed wall support beams to replace the temporary 2x2 legs along the lower return loop area.

That is my standard procedure: initially build benchwork with temporary 2x2 legs and then come back and install wall support beams (and remove the 2x2 legs).

[Onewolf]

Building 1x4 benchwork around the alcove.  You can see on the left how the benchwork steps up as the mainline (return loop) climbs from 36" to the default lower level 40".



And the benchwork along the 42ft long wall.  This will be the main classification yard and locomotive service area.



The blue tape represents where the turntable/roundhouse steam locomotive service will eventually be located.

[Onewolf]

And wall support struts installed.

[Onewolf]

Benchwork along the 32ft wall (with windows). The yard leads, reefer icing station, passenger station and service will be located.

Before I build the middle level benchwork (60" elevation) I will decide how to deal with the windows.  On the previous layout I blacked out the windows with 2" foam insulation and 5/8" plywood.

[deemery]

So the question is whether you think you'd need to get at those windows.  Before we finished the basement, I cut a 2" thick piece of styrofoam to fit into the door frame for the bulkhead walk-out.  I glued (styrofoam-safe Liquid Nails) a small piece of 2" x 2' x 6" styrofoam to serve as a handle, so it was easy to remove that when necessary. 

If you want a finished panel, then you could just go with wallboard glued to the styrofoam.  You can add spacers to get the styrofoam/wallboard sandwich to sit flush with the rest of the wall.

One small concern would be condensation between the window and the styrofoam plug.  It's probably worth cutting the plug with some gaps at the bottom to allow any condensation to drain. 

dave

[Mark Dalrymple]

You're making some great progress, Doug.

Are you planning on a 'cloud' ceiling?

Watching with interest.  I'm pleased to see this thread updated, as I don't usually read the daily thread.

Cheers, Mark.

[tom.boyd.125]

 Doug, you are making amazing progress since moving into your new home. Wish there was someone like you who lived down the road from me. Will keep on checking back...Tommy

[Onewolf]

Some wider angle views of the infrastructure/benchwork progress I made in the first 2 weeks. Being off work for 12 days for holiday allowed for much progress.  It will slow considerably as I go back to work full time starting today.

The next several months will be dedicated to building benchwork.

[deemery]

"I love the smell of sawdust in the morning!   It smells like ...  progress!"

dave

[ACL1504]

"I love the smell of sawdust in the morning!  It smells like ...  progress!"

dave

I love the smell of sawdust anytime, day or night. Along with fresh lumber that is.

[Onewolf]

As much as possible I try to maintain the layout room as a "clean" room. No sawing, sanding, etc.  All that gets done in the basement garage space.  Which is FULL of dust even though I run a dust collector system in there.

[ReadingBob]

I've been following along, Doug.  It's nice to see all the progress you're making.

A trip down memory lane.  Here's the SBG visiting your previous layout in Florida.

[GPdemayo]

Enjoying the updates on your new empire Doug.....