After about two weeks of dealing with some sort of flu, cold, sinus infection, or all the above, I have finally been able to finish up the train room! The ceiling is done, carpet is down, the trim is up, and the nail holes caulked. I’m currently enjoying a Beam on the rocks to celebrate!
I think I’m finally about ready to start building some benchwork. I still think I’ll tackle the two level track plan I’ve been working on. I’m thinking about building a test section of the upper level benchwork first. Looking at five C shaped frames connected together in a unit 48″ long, 16″ deep, and 18″ high. The lower arm would support the track and the upper arm would allow for lighting above. Three of the frames would be 16″ on center with the two at 32″ apart having a steel dowel pin that would sit in the groove of the piece shown below which would be screwed to the wall studs.
This is a Gridwall mount used for store displays, but I think a couple of these would hold a lightweight section of benchwork and allow it to be lifted and removed from the wall as needed. I picked up a few from Amazon to try out. I may need to end up adding a cleat under the C-frames for additional support. Considering using 1/2″ and 1/4″ Baltic birch plywood for this benchwork to minimize weight and still have good strength. 1/8 hardboard mounted to the back would make a good backdrop mounting surface and hide wiring coming up from below for lighting. 1/4″ birch ply would make a nice facia above and below, and add some lateral strength. Using foam for the scenery base would further lighten the load.
