Ready For Construction!
October 13, 2024
After about 2 weeks, the room is ready for the modules. The top of the bookshelves is 40 inches above the floor. The modules will add another 3 inches. I would prefer the height to be about 48" but the lower heights works out better for my 12 year old grandson who will be participating in the build. The shelves that were originally about 80 inches tall and about 6 feet wide were cut down to make shelves about 40 inches tall and 12 feet wide. The new top was made from 3/4 inch cabinet grade plywood. I think the original shelves, that were in the house when we bought it about 20 years ago, originally came from Ikea.
Here is a closeup illustrating the background mural I have been working on. This section, which is about 12 inches tall 48 inches long, was created by duplicating and modifying one photo pulled off the internet. Two of these scenes were printed on one 48 inch by 24 inch Walgreens poster for less than $20.
The modules were built using 1 x 3 pine purchased from Lowes.
The 1 x 3's that support the 2 inches of "pink" foam were laid on their side to better support the foam and reduce the overall height of the modules The resulting framework is both strong and lightweight.
The two modules are held together with lag bolts. Notches were cut in the foam to accommodate the nuts and bolts. Should the modules need to be moved, a 2 x 2 inch piece of foam and scenery will have to be removed above the bolts that are located about 2 inches inside the framework.
Here is the end result with the modules set in place on top of the bookshelves. A piece of corner trim, placed along the top of the 1 x 3's, will level out the top and give the module a "finished" look once it is painted. The modules were leveled and screwed in place from below.
Here's another overall view with the modules in place. The two rolls of cork shown in the photo will will be used to cover the foam and reduce track noise.
Making Sure everything will Fit
October 22, 2024
Transferring a plan from paper to layout doesn't always pan out so I laid out the track to make sure things fit. I am using Walthers Code 83 #6 turnouts and flex for this project. #5 turnouts would have saved some space but I think the #6's look better. The footprint for the depot is represented by the white template in the left foreground.
Structures for Redbanks
Barr Packing Company, Redbanks
Barr Packing will be built using components from the Pikestuff Milton A. Corporation kit shown below. The end result will be a structure about 4 inches deep and around 30 inches long.
Since the spur will actually go inside the building, I have ordered an operating roll-up door from Viesmann. While the operating door is expensive, about $80, it should make for a interesting addition to the layout.
Redbanks Packing Co
Redbanks Packing will be built using the Showcase Miniatures Sunkist Packing Shed kit. The kit is a low relief structure designed to go up against a backdrop, An addition is planned for one end to extend the width from about 16 inches to 24 inches.
The Redbanks Depot
Redbanks didn't actually have a depot but I plan to include one anyway. I managed to pick up one of the discontinued American Model Builders Southern Pacific Type 23 depot kits. I have built this kit once before and it builds into a really nice model
Redbanks Fertilizer Dealer
The Redbanks Fertilizer dealer is another feature of the layout that didn't exist on the prototype. It was included to add a little variety to operations. The fertilizer dealer will be built using Blair Line Fertilizer Bulk Plant along with some parts from the Walthers fertilizer distributor kit. Again, I have built this kit before as shown below on my old HO Madisonville Sub layout.
The last major structure I need for Redbanks is Kilburn Packing that is located on the right end of the plan. I may kit bash the old Walthers Valley Citrus Packers kit.
As always, your comments, questions and suggestions are welcome
sdepolo@outlook.com
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