I stole this idea fair and square from Richard Smith. He said that if he was to do it again, he would use 2 X 6 timbers for the frame, so that is what I have done. If you want to see details of how this goes together, see his lovely work. What I have is roughly 4 ft wide by 36 ft long. I wanted someplace where geezers like Warren, TOG and I could put our locomotives on the track without getting down on our knees, primarily because it takes two cranes to get us back up again, once we have gotten down there. The layout starts about chest high, and then the ground comes up to meet it on the other end. SWMBO wants to see trains running through the petunias, so I have to keep her happy, also.
As you can see, I also stole Richard’s idea of the warehouse that doubles as outdoor car storage.
This is a view from the another angle, where you can see how the ground rises to meet the table. There will be a turntable at this end as it is the highest off the ground, and eventually, I plan to have a roundhouse there, too.
This provides a closer look at the construction of the table. Those metal brackets really speed construction, and make it very sturdy. I only put in two 45 degree braces, and really didn’t need those. It is an optical delusion that those legs aren’t straight.
Two sections of the roof lift off to gain access inside. The warehouse has been in place through some 50 kt winds without budging, so I judge it successful.
This is a view inside the warehouse to show the construction. The roof is made of 1/4 inch construction grade plywood that I had laying around, cost was $0.00. I put 3 coats of gray primer and then sprayed on that pseudo rock finish that Rustoleum has. I think it looks pretty good. I am curious as to how long it will last, though. The cost for the whole table was essentially nil. I had most of the stuff already, left over from other projects. I had to buy the brackets, but that wasn’t too much. All in all, I am pretty pleased with how it has come out, so far. Now to get the track down. I plan to follow Richard’s lead and use the ladder system with redwood (I think he used cedar, but the cedar that I can get easily is not very good) Once I am satisfied with the track, I’ll fill in with dirt, then ballast the track. The track will go onto the ground where the yard begins. More to follow as it develops.
Looks good Steve.
