Benchwork for Little Rock Yard

 AIR2 is a TRIPLE deck layout*. So there are two more decks above Little Rock. The first deck is easy. A ledger and legs down and I’m done. What is taking so long, and causing so much consternation is the next deck. I do not want any visible supports between the first deck and the second deck. The second deck must float. I found some VERY strong support brackets. They are 3/16 steel and rated for 300 pounds EACH. So 6 of them SHOULD support 1800 pounds. The entire layout probably doesn’t weigh 1800 pounds.

The structure holding these brackets needs to be stout too. If the structure holding these brackets will only support 50 pounds, then the entire thing will only hold 50 pounds. Weakest link theory. 

Additionally it’s a model railroad and I want to run trains in there somewhere. My initial design was a brilliant example* of engineering without considering how it’s going to be used. There was NO way you could lay track, let along run trains. I THINK I’ve fixed that. We’ll see.

I got these brackets off Amazon. I’m using one every 4’. They are expensive, but I think they will save money by radically reducing the amount of wood I’ll need to use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9VXCKBK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Next step is some “Jacks” under the first level. 2x4 with “X” bracing. These will go at roughly 4’ on center spacing. Actually the spacing between these jacks will be 48 1/2” to allow for some storage under the layout. 

Then the benchwork itself on top of that. 

The 2nd deck sits on those brackets, with a ledger. The 3rd deck sits on a ledger AND the backing wall that’s on the 2nd deck. 

I’ll try to post pictures.


*I call it a monstrosity.

* If I do say so myself.

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