Benchwork Progress on the Upper Deck
December 8, 2011
It’s been slow going, but the upper deck benchwork is coming together. Benchwork is a series of modules that sit on top of free standing L girder benchwork. They have a built in backdrop and lighting supports which will also support the lighting valance. Despite their length the lighting supports are strong enough to hold under-cabinet fixtures, but less heavy lighting units are also being investigated.
Currently I have completed 3 modules with one more needed. The upper deck will be entirely dedicated to to the sprawling Fort St John classification yard and industries. Construction is a standard open grid topped with 1/4 inch plywood to keep weight down. The backdrops are cut from sheets of 1/8th inch masonite.
As constructed the benchwork modules can be lifted off ‘somewhat’ easily. Although light in weight, the corner and end units especially, are large and cumbersome. The plan was to lift each module off and perform track laying and wiring at the work bench. Now they will likely be left in place as much as possible and only removed to accomplish any difficult to reach wiring that cannot be performed from underneath the L girder support structure. On the upside, the 18″ tall backdrops which make these units so cumbersome will be a great canvas on which to paint a sweeping northern backdrop.
Work is continuing on the remaining module and on a narrow upper deck staging shelf that will form Fort Nelson staging. When complete that will mark the end of all remaining benchwork on the layout. The goal is to get that done before the end of 2011. Building model railroad benchwork in a condo is a challenge and I will be very glad to see the back of it!
