The M F & W needs a siding or 2 :)

[ngauger]

Well after debating about it for 2 weeks, I finally decided to add a 1 ft X 8 ft section to the layout. This will be just enough room for a siding.

I decided to post it here to maybe help someone else that would like to try this technique.
Add a section to your layout in about 2 hours.....

First, working alone creates it's own problems. Some of them are dispelled by using anything of the correct height to use as a "third Hand"

I used the 2 blue storage containers at the left of this picture. (Times are from the exif info of each pic)

7:06 PM 9-18-12...........

Well - first it's good to screw a length of wood to the side iof the existing layout.
Now, using the helper, you lay the far end of the wood on your helper and align the wood to the top of the existing layout. Use a scrap piece of wood that same thickness as your finished wood you'll be using for the extension. In my case - 1/2" plywood.

   

   

Using a scrap piece of wood gives you the location of where to screw in a screw to mount the first piece of wood for the benchwork.

   

[ngauger]

and - just repeat that for the other end......

7:14 PM
   

   

[ngauger]

7:34 PM

OK - now to measure for the cross pieces. 12 Wide wood - 1.5 inches for the 2 long pieces (1 x 4's) so they are 3/4" think.

Measure twice - cut once And the cross pieces are 10-1/2" each

   

   

[ngauger]

8:24 PM
After removing track form another siding, It's time to splice in the switch for the siding. This is the finished sections.

   

[ngauger]

8:55

Attach the cross pieces for the extension. I started in the back and screwed a scrap piece of 2X4 to the 1X6.

   

[ngauger]

8:56 PM

After screwing the cross pieces to the first piece, it's time to attach the outer edge this completes the framework.

   

[ngauger]

9:11

This one shows the wood panels in place. Not attached yet, Everything still has to be painted.

   

[ngauger]

So in a bit over 2 hours, the layout is a foot wider

[ngauger]

Here's another view showing the legs cut from deck railing spindles

[Catt]

Looks like your off to a good start. More expansion plans in the future?

[ngauger]

Looks like your off to a good start. More expansion plans in the future?

Only if I can start breaking through walls!!

Hmmmm that may be a good reason to buy the house next door....

That errant straight track may be a small "engine or caboose" siding, not sure yet

[Catt]

So how about another short extenstion say 12" wide x15-18" long and do a short teamtrack .

[ngauger]

So how about another short extenstion say 12" wide x15-18" long and do a short teamtrack .

It ended up about 6" wide... and 24" long and - it's a team track!!!!!!

[Catt]

Yeah just like that.

[ngauger]

............. and while I'm touching up the team track platform... i took a couple of hours to build an 8" tall crane