Okay...here goes announce1
This is the general plan for the new RR. in N gauge. The bench work is designed so that all areas are reachable without either duck under or hatch access, and, with the exception of two very small areas (a few square inches) everything will require a reach of just about 24 inches. Since the entire RR will be at about 48 in. high I think that is extremely important. The right hand leg by necessity has to be against the wall, as is the top 2 ft wide section. The left leg is accessible on both sides. Why 48 inches high? 1) I think it is a good viewing height either from a barstool or standing; 2) It allows for much storage and workspace below the layout; 3) the vertical supports are available from IKEA, and; 4) mostly because my best buddy fat cat can't jump that high. I hope. (I hate it when the trees have that just-nibbled-upon look.)
The track plan, still in the sketching stages, will be a dog bone, and I'm a-thinkin and getting inspiration from Last Train to Wobegon, Cherry Picked New England, and Abingdon Branch (Small Smart & Practical Track Plans) and also Iowa Central (48 Top Notch Track Plans) Bench construction is going to be extremely simple: hollow door on IKEA “Ivar” supports which will also hold shelves and provide storage. My first RR was done this way and was extremely solid, but the main mistake was in using a hollow door with masonite surface. Way, way, too heavy. I’ve learned my lesson!
Anyway, as the track plan develops, I will post for criticisms, ideas, and suggestions. And, as construction begins I’ll do the same with progress there. Thanks for your inputs!
Harpo
This is the general plan for the new RR. in N gauge. The bench work is designed so that all areas are reachable without either duck under or hatch access, and, with the exception of two very small areas (a few square inches) everything will require a reach of just about 24 inches. Since the entire RR will be at about 48 in. high I think that is extremely important. The right hand leg by necessity has to be against the wall, as is the top 2 ft wide section. The left leg is accessible on both sides. Why 48 inches high? 1) I think it is a good viewing height either from a barstool or standing; 2) It allows for much storage and workspace below the layout; 3) the vertical supports are available from IKEA, and; 4) mostly because my best buddy fat cat can't jump that high. I hope. (I hate it when the trees have that just-nibbled-upon look.)
The track plan, still in the sketching stages, will be a dog bone, and I'm a-thinkin and getting inspiration from Last Train to Wobegon, Cherry Picked New England, and Abingdon Branch (Small Smart & Practical Track Plans) and also Iowa Central (48 Top Notch Track Plans) Bench construction is going to be extremely simple: hollow door on IKEA “Ivar” supports which will also hold shelves and provide storage. My first RR was done this way and was extremely solid, but the main mistake was in using a hollow door with masonite surface. Way, way, too heavy. I’ve learned my lesson!
Anyway, as the track plan develops, I will post for criticisms, ideas, and suggestions. And, as construction begins I’ll do the same with progress there. Thanks for your inputs!
Harpo