First Box Complete
First Section
With the collapsible benchwork complete I started in on the sections that will sit on it. The first section is complete, but I have not fastened the top down onto it yet, I want to wait until all the boxes are complete to ensure everything will line up properly.
The sides of the benchwork and the boxes are all ripped from 3/4″ cabinet grade plywood, cut to 5 1/2″ high. I chose an extra high side so all the undertable items will fit completely within the box, such as switch machines and wiring. Plus it is plenty rigid, I don’t want this to twist on me. I’m not concerned about weight as the sections will require two people to move them anyway due to their awkward size, so if it weighs 10 pounds or 60 pounds it won’t make a difference.
The boxes will be clipped to the benchwork using several “suitcase” clips at strategic locations. Alignment clips will be made from 1/4″ aluminum and fastened on the bottom of the layout to ensure everything stays in a horizontal plane on the top. I’m still working on the design of those.
With a long weekend approaching I am hoping to get the other two boxes complete and start on the alignment clips.
On to Next Section
-T
About the Author:
I'm your host, Tim Warris, a product developer in Port Dover, Ontario. Since March of 2007 I have been documenting the construction of the former CNJ Bronx Terminal in HO scale. For my day job, I design track building tools for Fast Tracks, a small company I own and operate. Fast Tracks makes it fast and easy to hand lay your own trackwork. Stop by our website to learn more!
Posted by: Tim | 03-20-2008 | 10:03 AM
Posted in: Benchwork Construction | Latest Posts
Have you considered dowels or maybe cam locks for alignment.
Looks good so far. Thanks for the update
Hi Tim,
Getting old (CRS) after my e-mail to you started to think about track layout in the terminal. The engine house was next to the 3rd Ave.bridge and the a track ran under the bridge to another yard, at times they left the switcher under the bridge?? In 1957-59 CNJ used a switcher that looked like the old Athrean Hustler model. There was also a gantry parallel to the river dock. Paving in the yard was cobbel stone.Grew up on east158 st. 51 years ago where did the time go? Have a great day and take care.
Peter