Benchwork

Benchwork

I started the bechwork in October and after much debate chose strength over weight. The main part of the benchwork is 1x4's with 1x2 internal supports. Risers are 1x4's or 1x2's depending on their location. The main shelf layout is sectional, consisting of 2 four and 1/2 foot by 28" sections and a 4' square section around the Helix.

The Helix is different from most of those I've seen. I constructed it as a box with perimeter rails that the subroadbed lays on. By using a rigid box I was hoping for a very strong and rigid unit that would take transport well. The top of the helix unit is going to be removable and contains a small log loading operation.

Basic Framework

Crossbeams are located within the frame depending on the depth of the scenery.

Full Layout

Modules are joined together with carriage bolts and wing nuts. Terminal strips will be used to join the wiring and data plugs will be installed for the DCC contol Bus.

Closeup of first bridge location

First section of subroadbed.

The roadbed crosses the Yaak River twice here, once in each modular section. Plywood forms are in place that will be replaced with Central Valley Truss bridges widened to On30. The grade levels at each bridge and at transition joints- this is mainly to try out some of the ideas we had when working on the On30 modular standards. The existing shelves are temporary work areas, mounted to the cabinets and support wall behind. The layout will be directly mounted to 2x4 cross members and the framing. The cabinetry is all recycled remodeling discards. The upper shelf is at approximately the future height of the mine spur.

Helix and Test Track

First and second sections

The first loop of the helix is basically in and a test track has been installed to check operations. The grade measures out at about 5.3%. I've tested it with my Bachmann shay and have no problems with up to 4 boxcars SO FAR. No excessive power consumption, no slipping, nada. The radius is 18". I have surging problems with the bachmann shay on the downgrade but that was to be expected. I have not installed Professor Klyzers bushing fix-it yet (see the shay page when I get to it or email me for detals). The 1x2 on blocks shows the approximate location of the upper loop. The helix is going to make about 1 3/4 loops all told.

Finished Benchwork

Busy week on the railroad. The Benchwork is essentially complete! All that remains are fine tuning one grade (approach to logging camp) and the insertion of the homosote subroadbed.

This weekend I'll pull the temporary shelf out from under the benchwork and mount the benchwork directly on the 2x4 supports. The benchwork will be bolted together and the leveling will be fine tuned.

The 1/4 inch luann behind the benchwork will be raised, seam sealed and painted for use as the backdrop.

The Upper deck of the benchwork is different than I expected- The front is just plywood on risers, no problem.

For the back I have risers of various heights, a "split grade" where the front of the subroadbed is level, reaches a switch and the spur of the switch transitions to and leaves at a grade. Add to this the fact that I am using as much salvage material as posible and you see my challenge.....

The verticle risers have been supplemented with horizontal stringers. The stringers are joined to the plywood along their edge grain which works against any tendency the plywood has to warp. Pretty stable. The large square of plywood at the mine is actual joined to a 1x2 frame all around, which is then joined to the risers. This made construction very easy because that section of the layout is completely level.

February 22

I took out the temporary shelving, installed all the subroadbed and got everything onto the framework in its final form.....Next comes track.

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