Bonus Room Shelf Layout

[ocalicreek]

Galen, that is looking very professional. I agree with your assessment of the L-girders. What you have there will be plenty strong, and a big plus as you mentioned is being able to remove the "shelf" to work on it at a different location. You mentioned cutting a stream bed... that is why I like 2" foam on top of the shelf. Makes it easy to cut ditches and make minor elevation changes.

Thanks, Gary. I'll be adding a layer of fiber board on top of the ply, just under the trackwork. Not sure if I'll use it as roadbed or add a layer of N-scale cork as actual roadbed. I may use the cork under the main line and leave it out under the sidings. We'll see when I get to that stage. I'll be using plenty of foam for scenery. At this layout height it won't take much to screen a train from view...which has got me thinking more about a staging track or two... :geek:

As I mentioned in an earlier post, unless I receive a sudden windfall of hobby cash, this will be a slow and steady process. That's fine since there's plenty to do (like lighting) that won't cost anything since I already have it. I've already got the lumber for the other side of the room as well. I am very thankful that I have a regular hobby stipend as part of the family budget (well, it's mad money to spend however I like, I just choose to spend it on trains, usually!)

All that to say, don't look for any major updates (beyond more benchwork) any time too soon... :| In the mean time, I'm helping my 5 year old convert all of his (nee mine) N scale equipment from rapido to knuckle couplers. This too is a slow and steady process but so very worthwhile. It's all part of the evolution from toddler with toy trains to kiddo with model trains.

Galen