I decided to build a few 7/8 structures for my layout during the lockdown. None are completely finished yet.
I still need to paint and add details.
The latest was a covered bridge with room for trains and autos or pedestrians.
The prototype I based my model on. The bridge is 90 feet long, my model is 6’ long.
Board and Batt siding
Sub roof
Climax fits perfectly
The most tedious job. Roofing. Each cedar shake is applied individually with glue and a staple.
Some more 7/8 structures
That’s a pretty impressive amount of output! What are you using for a saw? Stick building from wood is so much fun (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)I have the Grex pinner, didn’t know they made a stapler. How wide is the crown of the staple?
Well, as a builder your work is great, I don’t know it you have an inside, or outside layout, but it too nice to leave outside all the time. You have the Fn3 touch, for sure.
trainman
Thanks guys!
Jon, I have Grex 18 gauge brad guns, 23 gauge pinners and staplers. My pinner goes down to 3/8" pins and the crown of the stapler is 3/16. (The smallest they make)
I have my cedar stock ripped to size from cedar fence boards by a good friend. I use a precision hand miter saw I bought from Germany years ago.
They are gone now and I can’t get replacement blades.
John, My layout is outside. I don’t plan to leave them out year round. The bridge I will cover with a plastic tarp (Or remove it)
I have a few more buildings on my wish list which I will do this winter. I have enough 7/8 locos and rolling stock for now.
Where do you find the pneumatic pinners and pins? (23 gauge). I’ve looked and looked and can only find the 18 gauge. My pin nailer takes 18 but says it can go smaller.
Where do you find the pneumatic pinners and pins? (23 gauge). I’ve looked and looked and can only find the 18 gauge. My pin nailer takes 18 but says it can go smaller.
Thanks JB. 3/16" crown staples sound real interesting. I have air nailers ranging from a big Senco framing machine down to a 23ga pinner from Grex. I rarely use my 18ga stapler, but that tiny one looks like something to put on my wish list.
Your friend does an awesome job ripping down the Cedar. I know from experience that it’s a big chore. I get tons of Cedar as drops and old signs from work. The new stuff I don’t care for much. I have about 6 feet of new 6x6 in 2 foot long chunks waiting for a project, but I’m still using up an old sign that is much denser grain - might be redwood.
If you tarp your bridge, I’d suggest you build a tarp frame from something; PVC pipe maybe, so that there is no direct contact with the wood that can retain moisture.
Cutting up cedar always makes more sawdust and waste than actual product. I figure a 2:1 waste to final product. 
But when cedar fencing is only $2 a board you can get a lot out of it. Recently I found a small lumber company that only sells cedar. When I showed up and asked about pricing the owner says I take 50 cents off a linear foot for 6’ boards as I can’t get rid of them fast enough. Darn…
Jon, It’s a Grex upholstery stapler. Good idea for a bridge cover.
Craig, 23 Gauge pinners are everywhere. My first one was a Porter Cable I got off of Amazon years ago and wore the driver head out.
Rather than spend $80.00 for a rebuild kit, I purchased a Grex. Never regretted it. All my air fasteners are Grex.
If you plan on driving hundreds of pins, brads or staples, steer clear of Harbor Freight!
The cedar is cut on a band saw with a special slitting blade with no kerf. You can cut down to less than 1/16" with it.
