modular support

[ndbprr]

So I just purchased a new (for me) hole in the ground that is 40' x 60' with a nine foot ceiling and will start construction in the next 2-3 months on my modular layout of the PRR from North Philadelphia station to Shore tower (1.5 miles). Here is the minor dilema. The current owner is leaving behind about fifteen 2"x10" boards that are 20' long. The layout itself will be built on 1"x4" wrapped foam sections and I could use the 2x10's to support the whole thing. Any thoughts as to construction or ideas. They sure will minimize the need for legs!

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would not use the 2x10s. I think they are probably too heavy for what you need (especially since you are using foam decking), and they will warp at some point.

If you are building your modules to be truly modular (e.g. at a club of something outside your house) you will need to build the legs anyway.

If you are building it for ease of your next move, then I wuold suggest you make some sort of shelving system that is anchored to the walls - maybe a modified type of L-girder that eliminates the need for "aisle-side" legs.

Andrew

[cwclark]

try ripping them into 2" by 5"'s...then you will have twice as many boards....

[Anonymous]

You're absolutely right that they will reduce the need for legs. One leg in the middle ot the 20 foot span would be all you need, and you might get away without even that. These baby's make great rafters or floor joists and to scrap them or rip them into little sticks because "they will warp" is a huge waste of expensive lumber.

Of course, if you can use them AS rafters or floor joists, then that may be a more cost-effective use. But as benchwork, you could walk across these big boys or sculpt your mountains out of real granite on top of them. Dropping a beer cooler on one end of the layout won't derail an N-Scale caboose on the other.

If your idea of modules are a portable layout, then you'll need traveling benchwork because 2x10's don't lend themselves to mobility.

Wayne

[ndbprr]

My thinking was to possibly rip them to make L girders for support. I was thinking something like a 3" piece for the top flange and the five inch piece for the verticals. I didn't plan to move them in the future and it could save some cost for now.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cwclark

try ripping them into 2" by 5"'s...then you will have twice as many boards....

Or even 2 x 2's for legs. No matter how you slice them, it's all good!