Well, I finally got a Rail Images account and can start posting progress shots of the Pomperaug RR. This is a shelf layout that runs around 3 walls (13' x 21' x 13'). It bridges three windows and tunnels through the wall into an adjoining 6' x 10' staging room. I used Closetmaid shelf brackets with extruded foam as a base. The third photo is a mock-up of the bagging building and warehouse for my cement plant. This plant will be about 13' long when completed. The track is only placed and pinned, until I am satisfied with the final layout plan. These are the first photos I'm posting, so bear with me. Eric Eric
Thats a really great looking layout you got started. No complaints here about the pins. I think many of us learn new design techniques from just those kind of pictures. Keep them coming as the layout progresses. Those closet maids seem to be cropping up on a lot of layouts these days.
Looking good. The pins fit neatly into the pre drilled holes in all Atlas Code 80 track. I imagine they are the same for the others.
Great work Eric. One thing - I'd get all that other stuff out of there, especially once you start the scenery because things really start to get messy then.
Anytime you can start with a finished room puts you a step ahead of the game. Good size space to work with and your brackets look very sturdy. Are they mounted on EVERY stud? Looks like 16" spacing. I know in the past we've discused various ways of dealing with window crossings before, maybe someone has the link; I'll do a search and see if I can find it.
Each wall standard is screwed into a wall stud (16" OC). I actually screwed 1" x 2" 's on top of the metal brackets, running from the backdrop to the front of the shelf. The 1" x 2"'s will provide a mounting surface for the masonite fascia. These were shimmed, where necessary, to maintain a level surface. I made a frame to span the window openings and support the foam. The shelves are 24" to 30" wide, but the brackets are not that long. The 1" x 2"'s give the foam full support, as they are cantilevered past the ends of the metal brackets. 2" foamboard was then attached to the wood with Liquid Nails for projects, then an additional 1" of foam was laminated on, using a water based contact cement. The layout is not technically "modular," however, it is made up of 7 foot +/- modules or segments that can be removed and brought to the workbench for wiring, messy scenery, etc., simply by removing 2 screws from each bracket. To test the strength of the foam, I have actually climbed onto the layout. There were no cracks or holes in the foam, after it easily supported my 250 lb., 6'4" frame. This is a very sturdy construction method. There is no wood spanning between the brackets. The foam is very stable, on its own. The masonite backdrop also spans the windows. I made removable sections that are held in place with mirror clips. This allows full access for cleaning the windows. It takes all of 2 minutes to remove the screws, pull off the module, slip out the backdrop section and then tilt the windows in for cleaning. I'll post more photos to illustrate what I am describing. Thanks for the feedback. Eric [ March 02, 2005, 10:26 AM: Message edited by: pomperaugrr ]
