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Post by g3750 on May 27, 2020 3:13:17 GMT
g3750, What a HUGE project! I am so glad I do not have the room to do what you are doing. It would be overwhelming for me to build a layout of that size. I do have one question for you. The Glenn Snyder shelving units. How flexible are they? My concern is they are supposed to be screwed to studs every 12-24" Your picture looks like you have about three plus feet between studs. Do they sag any? I am asking because I am considering using them and I have more then 24" between the studs I am planning on mating them too. Yeah, it is a big project. Panhandle 1 was a good (ambitious) concept hampered by a lack of room (18' x 10'). I wanted to build the layout of a lifetime and this is my opportunity. I am (semi) retired and blessed with a wife who not only supports my hobby, but helps. She's been invaluable; we're building this layout together. Progress has been pretty decent, all things considered. In the 3 years we've been in this house, we've: - Procured and installed track lighting in the workshop and train room
- Installed pegboard and equipment in the workshop
- Conducted several site photographic expeditions
- Commissioned a backdrop photographer and installed the backdrop (like doing wallpaper)
- Built the Staging Area divider and bench work
- Constructed about 40% of the layout's bench work
- Designed, procured, and installed the electrical panel, transformers and components
- Installed the river and surrounding scenery
Yes, it is a big project. But we're making progress. As for the Glenn Snyder units, I wasn't sure how far apart the studs were so I went back and measured. They are about 22.5" on average apart. I'm nowhere near 3' between them. The divider is only 10' long. I think the shelves are aluminum, but are cast in such a way as to be very stiff. I'm guessing you will be OK with 3' between them. You're not going to put 4 Big Boys on 1 shelf, are you?  George
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2020 10:52:19 GMT
Thank you George for the response. Your picture gave the appearance of a larger look at that stud seperation. My plan is to put 5/8" ply on top of the studs and use that to help support the shelves. To be specific, I am using one 12' side of the layout to house some of the trains. The "studs" are the legs of the layout.
"I am (semi) retired and blessed with a wife who not only supports my hobby, but helps. She's been invaluable; we're building this layout together."
There are several very active model train lady hobbiest working on layouts on this forum. It is nice for you both to share the project.
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Post by g3750 on May 27, 2020 13:22:15 GMT
Thank you George for the response. Your picture gave the appearance of a larger look at that stud seperation. My plan is to put 5/8" ply on top of the studs and use that to help support the shelves. To be specific, I am using one 12' side of the layout to house some of the trains. The "studs" are the legs of the layout. "I am (semi) retired and blessed with a wife who not only supports my hobby, but helps. She's been invaluable; we're building this layout together."
There are several very active model train lady hobbiest working on layouts on this forum. It is nice for you both to share the project. So it's not just the studs that will support the shelves, right? The 5/8" plywood should virtually eliminate the possibility of any flexing. And you can drill holes in the shelving and screw it to the plywood / studs every foot or so if you feel the need. You'll be fine. George
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2020 16:15:50 GMT
Updated 5/26/2020: I have a divider between the layout and the Staging Area. When I originally installed the backdrop up on the divider, my intention was to extend it all the way to the ceiling. I prepared the area to receive a backdrop extension. All that got pushed to the back burner as I tried to get the bridge area ready for the NMRA Mid-Central Regional Convention at the end of May (which was, of course, cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic). So now, with some time on my hands awaiting parts, I started looking at this again. I was about to pull out some 10' sections of blue sky backdrop (from the original order to RailroadBackdrops.com), when my better half decided to inspect the area. She had a brilliant idea - just paint the area above the Weirton Steel backdrop the color of the wall. It would match the rest of the area and there would be no reason to do this extra work. So that's what I did! It will get two coats of paint and then I'll pull the protective masking off and declare victory! George It really pays to get a second opinion George. Sometimes even a third or fourth!!I am qualified in more than one trade and have done so much work in our Government Buildings and Residential buildings as well. The one thing that has been consistent throughout the years is to take a step back and think things through. You are doing that as well! The OGF has been a huge continual wealth of knowledge, information, tips and tricks for us. We have looked at many commercially available backdrops as well. Now I find myself looking at a combination of those and walls painted to mimic sky also. We probably won't decide until the time comes. Like you we prefer to do things one time only. Regards, Gary.
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Post by ptc on May 27, 2020 16:54:23 GMT
"So now, with some time on my hands awaiting parts, I started looking at this again. I was about to pull out some 10' sections of blue sky backdrop (from the original order to RailroadBackdrops.com), when my better half decided to inspect the area. She had a brilliant idea - just paint the area above the Weirton Steel backdrop the color of the wall. It would match the rest of the area and there would be no reason to do this extra work. So that's what I did!"I would like to see it when it is finished. 
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2020 19:49:43 GMT
So it's not just the studs that will support the shelves, right? The 5/8" plywood should virtually eliminate the possibility of any flexing. And you can drill holes in the shelving and screw it to the plywood / studs every foot or so if you feel the need. You'll be fine. George Correct George and thanks for the information.
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Post by g3750 on May 27, 2020 20:36:10 GMT
"So now, with some time on my hands awaiting parts, I started looking at this again. I was about to pull out some 10' sections of blue sky backdrop (from the original order to RailroadBackdrops.com), when my better half decided to inspect the area. She had a brilliant idea - just paint the area above the Weirton Steel backdrop the color of the wall. It would match the rest of the area and there would be no reason to do this extra work. So that's what I did!"I would like to see it when it is finished. OK, no problem.    It's the area above the backdrop that got painted. I think it turned OK. George
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2020 15:54:03 GMT
Painted area looks good.
Quite a bit done so far. Will the pace of the build pickup?
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Post by g3750 on May 28, 2020 21:05:03 GMT
Painted area looks good. Quite a bit done so far. Will the pace of the build pickup? Hard to say. It's been moving pretty fast, although that's not really visible to others. I expect the pace of the build to become more visible, now that I have completed some writing commitments. George
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Post by g3750 on May 30, 2020 17:02:45 GMT
Gary, it took me longer than I'd like to admit to learn that lesson. But I did learn it (and I've got a few scars to prove it.  ). George
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Post by g3750 on Jun 15, 2020 21:52:46 GMT
Updated 6/15/2020: While work continues on the scenery in the Ohio River valley and on the bridge, some electrical work has also been conducted ("nyuk, nyuk, nyuk"). Awhile ago, I acquired a second 12V DC power supply. Today I re-arranged some of the other supplies and mounted them all vertically so as to get more air flowing around them. I also decided that I will move 3VDC "wall warts" to remote power strips located at the ends of the layout. These will power street lights (my lighted telephone poles) and traffic signals. Here's the new transformer cart diagram. Changes were made primarily to the lower level of the cart .  Here's a shot of the work (in progress). Left to right - the new 12VDC supply, the existing 12VDC supply, and the 5VDC supply. The barrel connector to the extreme left is the 3VDC supply which is yet to be moved.  More when I know it. George |
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Post by Country Joe on Jun 16, 2020 13:05:44 GMT
Nice work, George. While it's not sexy power and wiring is an important part of a smooth running layout.
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Post by g3750 on Jun 16, 2020 13:24:49 GMT
Nice work, George. While it's not sexy power and wiring is an important part of a smooth running layout. Thanks Joe. Yes, the devil (and the genius) is in the details.  George
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2020 14:30:00 GMT
Nicely organized George. It really pays off in the end when you do it "right" at the start. Gary. |
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Post by g3750 on Jun 16, 2020 15:11:40 GMT
Nicely organized George. It really pays off in the end when you do it "right" at the start. Gary. Thanks Gary! I have the scars from doing it the "wrong" way. George
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