After having my trains for about a month, I finally got around to buying the track and installing a 24' x 32' loop in my backyard. I raised the track about 18" off the ground using 2" PVC pipe and 3/4" pvc water supply pipe. On top of that I put Cedar fence boards for support. Well, after only about two weeks I have run into a couple of problems.
1. 18" is a great height for my 3 boys to be able to see the train, but it is also the perfect height for my 2 year old to reach as well. After several runs, my Accucraft caboose has taken three nose dives. It now looks a bit more.. um rustic. To say the least /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/cry.gif
2. Now that I have the loop (which is great mind you), like anybody, I want to add some sidings, buildings etc. Okay...how do I do that. Not going to work.
So looks like the week that it took me to put in the current setup is going to have to come up./DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/crazy.gif I have looked and looked and found that the best solution for me is going to be to build benchwork. So I sat down on Monday night and came up with the following.
The benchwork height will be 4', 36" wide. It get to the center of the layout I plan to have two liftout bridges along the sidewalk. The outer boards will be 2x6's and the cross supports 2x4's. Here is am embellished overhead view courtesy of Google Maps:
Here is a better look at the benchwork plan that I came up with:
If you would like to see a larger version click here: http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/jtutwiler/Backyard-Benchwork-for-Trains.jpg
Unfortunately I don't currently have the cash to get this started, but I thought that while I work on getting the funds together I would post my plans here and see what ideas, opinions etc you all might have. Please just remember that I really am running on a shoestring budget, so no outrageous suggestions please.
Thanks
JT
1. 18" is a great height for my 3 boys to be able to see the train, but it is also the perfect height for my 2 year old to reach as well. After several runs, my Accucraft caboose has taken three nose dives. It now looks a bit more.. um rustic. To say the least /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/cry.gif
2. Now that I have the loop (which is great mind you), like anybody, I want to add some sidings, buildings etc. Okay...how do I do that. Not going to work.
So looks like the week that it took me to put in the current setup is going to have to come up./DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/crazy.gif I have looked and looked and found that the best solution for me is going to be to build benchwork. So I sat down on Monday night and came up with the following.
The benchwork height will be 4', 36" wide. It get to the center of the layout I plan to have two liftout bridges along the sidewalk. The outer boards will be 2x6's and the cross supports 2x4's. Here is am embellished overhead view courtesy of Google Maps:

Here is a better look at the benchwork plan that I came up with:

If you would like to see a larger version click here: http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/jtutwiler/Backyard-Benchwork-for-Trains.jpg
Unfortunately I don't currently have the cash to get this started, but I thought that while I work on getting the funds together I would post my plans here and see what ideas, opinions etc you all might have. Please just remember that I really am running on a shoestring budget, so no outrageous suggestions please.
Thanks
JT