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Building on many Levels

milkman matt

Entry posted by milkman matt

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Well, only two levels actually. Baseboard construction has been proceeding apace now and I feel that I'm on the home straight. With the exception of the bridging piece, today saw the last of the lower level frames completed and supports for the upper level built. I'll be the first to admit that I'm no Carpenter/joiner but, I am quite happy with the results thus far. As for now, there will be a short pause in construction to allow funds to regenerate and then I shall push on.

 

I have decided to create a hidden fiddle yard under the upper level as it seemed a waste space to have 6 ft of 2 ft wide base board with just 2 lines of track Running on it. "But you won't be able to reach the far tracks," I hear people cry. Thought about that already. The only real problem would be when it comes to cleaning them. On that point, dear reader, I seek your sage advice on the best method of cleaning hidden track work. As to retrieving trains from the far lines, it would be a simple matter of shunting the train from one side to the other via the double slip in the station (See plan on last entry) so that it ends up on the closest line Which will run just above my workbench! Of course, I could just run out into the open but, where's the fun in that? After all, isn't the hobby about running trains as often and for as long as you can?

 

As to region and era that I am modelling, I have gained quite a collection of LMS and GWR stock from various eras over the years so I don't think I'll be too specific about era but if pushed, I would say around nationalisation....ish! For region, I'm thinking GWR line with share arrangements with LMS. Partly because I like both and partly because I recently obtained one of Metcalfes Wayside station kit. I know a number of people are cringing at this idea but, as they say, it's my railway and I'll run what I like! :onthequiet: Besides, didn't the GWR have the APT first? :D

 

Here are some progress photos for those playing at home! :)

 

The final section of frame work nearly completed. The more observant will notice the front edge dips back over my workbench. More on that anon!
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General view of the support structures showing their height. Originally, they were actually about 16mm taller but I wanted to keep the gradient to the upper level as light as possible over the 10 or so feet that I have to work with. To that end, the height from the lower board to the top of the upper board is now 130mm.
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A quick mock up of the hidden fiddle yard for planning purposes. he point that leads straight into the support will, of course, not be there in the finished product. It just happened to be the right length of straight track for the job!
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Back to the front frame that I have set back over the work bench. Here is why. The rail just happens to be deep enough and the frames high enough to create the perfect shelf for little things like my rolling road, Audio remote and mobile phone. which helps keep some of the clutter off my bench!
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A quick mock up to show approximately where the nearest line in the fiddle yard will run above my desk.
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DCB

You don't have much overhead clearance where the frames cross.  We use 2X1 framing on its side for cross pieces to maximise clearance and a 2X1 frame put on the operating well side of the upper level with the lower edge level with the bottom of the cross pieces and  the top projecting above the baseboard surface to provide a lip to stop stock escaping while maximising the headroom

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milkman matt

Thanks for the comment, David. Unless I run a "Double stack" through here (Not likely), there is ample headroom for the stock I have to get through. It took me a minute to understand that you were talking about using 2X1 framing in an orientation that I would call "on the flat" but that would only mean that I could make the upper level even lower and thus lessen the gradient even more. As you would have seen in the text, I had already reduced the clearance by 16mm for the purpose of reducing the gradient. Most of the track work on the upper level will be toward the centre of the boards so I'm reasonably confident that any errant stock will remain on the board.

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