I promised myself I was not going to post something without some sort of progress to explain my summer absence. Beside with the colder weather I'm looking for things to do indoors to keep me from going stir-crazy.
So, I'm 2/3 finished my benchwork. I still have to complete the 8 foot section of the "L" shape to the shelving. For framing I salvaged scrap pieces of 2x6 & 2x8 lumber which I milled/ripped into 3x2's (technically, 2 1/2 by 1 1/2, but hey who is counting...) and used that for framing. Best thing is it didn't cost me anything...It was wood laying around from when I built a deck and fence a few years ago. Throw a coat of paint on it ( dark brown???...I haven't decided ) and it will look just keen.
I also used the bench work to create some much needed shelving space. That created some "natural" cross bracing for the structure which really stiffened the whole set up. I topped it off with 3/8 fir plywood for the decking.
I know some would argue that I should have used at least half inch decking however, my 210 pound frame has been leaning/sitting on top of this all weekend, drawing track lines just to get an idea where things will go. So I believe it is pretty damn solid. It's also 54" high, so it is just about at chest height for me. It's widest is at 1' 11" inches which is actually a mistake...whoops, I measured the cross bracing at the actual width of the decking inside of accounting for the width of the lengthwise lumber. I can still easily touch the back wall, and if I have to, stand on a step ladder. At 34 yo I like to think I'm still young too.
I plan to top the decking off with cork for the roadbed when I actually start to hand-lay the track work. I should get the 8 ft section done next weekend. For now this is all I have done.
I have to re-locate some electrical. I was planning on running the outlet behind the layout and mounting it to the benchwork. Plug in a power bar and I'm all set for power. The light switch will be gone as it is not needed. Whoever did the electrical in this house last really did some stupid things. (sigh...thinks of the cost to get a pro to re-wire the whole house in a few years time...) The dryer duct will be moved as well. I'll have to drill a new hole for the vent in the side of the house as I plan to use aluminum ducting instead of the plastic tube. The duct work will be tucked up into the joists above the ceiling.
Here is a quick shot of my "stuff". Compared to the length I've got so far it doesn't look like much. Guess that means I'll have to buy and build more models. :mrgreen:
You can also see one of the "problems" I need to design around. I don't know what the piping is for in the corner, however I'm in no hurry to start cutting it out. My theory is that it was for the an old oil furnance that used to be in the house decades ago. My current plan is build structures around it like a grain mill and my brewery. Some tall buildings should hide it nicely. I guess I should paint the walls too...that ogre green is hideous.
Oh and the original 16 x 8 ft layout is back ( w/ possible expansion of another 6 ft to the 8 ft leg?) I was going to build this in another room, however decided to keep it in my little corner of the basement.
That's all for now.