Sectional layout benchwork, with multilevel possibility

[Pennsy_I1]

Hello,

I'm planning a sectional layout modeling the PRR Elmira Branch (I may move several times in the next few years). I can't figure out a solution for the benchwork. My main requirements for benchwork are that it has to use commercial lumber and plywood (rather than commercial benchwork),  versatile enough for both a two-car garage with an eleven-foot celing and a basement with a seven-foot ceiling, and it has to be able to be moved in a truck and SUV. I'm also considering a multilevel sectional system for the garage, as I enjoy prototype operation and plan to host ops sessions. I have the tools to build a helix, though I'm not sure I have a place for one in the garage, as there is a set of stairs cutting into the corner that it would otherwise fit in. Continuous climb is also another possibility. Liftout sections are a must. Here is a map and track chart of the Elmira Branch if it at all helps:

Link to track chart:

http://railsandtrails.com/TC/PRR/Elmira%20Branch/index.html

Notes to clear things up:

Infrastructure is modeled as of 1910, when Ralston was still a terminal. I can scan a chart of Ralston around that era. Equipment and operations are modeled up to June 1944. I may be providing too much info, but I guess it's better to provide too much than too little.

 

Thanks,

 

Victoria

[rrinker]

 Jooe Fugate experimented with multi-level modules using E shapes cut from plywood for forms. This gives you the base horizontal member, the second deck horizontal member (and valance for the first deck) and a valance for the top deck. Totally free-standing. You could also build these from dimensional lumber, using metal angles as reinforcements, but cutting them from plywood should be stronger.

                                          --Randy

 

[dehusman]

Many questions.  Such as how much space you really have to build the layout.  You say you have a two car garage, but don't have room to put a helix in there.  That implies you don't have the full square footage available for the layout.  Having a 24x24 space is waaaayyy different than just having space along two 24 ft walls.

What is your actual available space?

Having differently shaped spaces also adds complexity to design the same layout  to fit into different spaces.

[Pennsy_I1]

I can use the whole garage, except for the corner with stairs cut into the ceiling. Roughly 11x23ft.

The other space I haven't measured yet, but it is 50x70 on Google Maps (entire basement under the house). It is somewhat divided, but open.