Suggestions for dimensional scale lumber sizes.

[Bob C]

Tetters, Hello again. I'm admiring your dedication to "getting it right." I think you will find that track on a pier actually has a "trestle" or "bridge" underneath, engineered to support the weight of the track and trains. Strictly speaking, the structure would be "timbers", as "planking" covers holes in a structure, and doesn't carry much load, and is usually wider than thick (2"x12" or 1"x6") for decking or sheathing. If the under-structure won't/can't be seen - size doesn't matter...but if you're modeling the whole structure, the weight and forces generated by moving rail cars needs stout support - pilings carrying stringers (like a trestle in size and configuration), braced and with bridge ties supporting the rails. The rest of the dock/pier wouldn't need to be as heavy, unless you are carrying industrial-weight equipment (mobile cranes, heavy trucks, etc.) there, too. As to "scale" size...the timber and planking used in 1:1 structures this size and strength would likely not be of "stock" or precise dimension, which may make your sourcing the parts less complex. If any of this helps, it'll probably be accidental ! Bob C.