Off the ground

[rrinker]

Always feels good when you make some progress. Keep it up!

--Randy

[Bikerdad]

Good luck SirGKnight! That you can get straight and true spruce is a blessing, many have no such luck. Sounds like you're well on your way, with a foundation of value firmly established

[Anonymous]

Well, it's been a few weeks in the making, but I finally got started on my first 4X8 layout. It's basic design is patterned after the new DVD from MR. IMO plywood definitely has it's place in the workplace but it's edges weren't designed for nailing. Even in the video, if you look real close, you'll notice that the plywood splits badly during one of the sequences. My base is built out of spruce 1X4's. They are relatively light, straight, no ripping involved, much sturdier and just as economical to purchase (at least in my area); and I think that they make a much nicer appearance on the outsideof the framework. Instead of buying a $30 piece of birch plywood, my local dealer carries an economical !/4 inch piece of oak sheathing for $10. On one side it's just a tiny bit rough, but on the finished side it's just as smooth as the birch. None of our dealers carry one-inch styrofoam so I had to settle for the Dow 3/4 inch R4 @ $8.50 ea. Instead of using finishing nails I used screws. I first drilled pilot holes and used a countersink bit so I can bond over the screw heads. Makes a very neat bond without splitting. All in all, $50 for the base material, 8 oz. bottle of Titebond glue and 3 sheets of styrofoam isn't too bad, is it? I finished the base earrrrrly this morning. With the base completed, I moved it to our large dining room table for my new "staging" area. I placed a large sleeping bag over the table, for protection naturally, and still thought I would get some flak from my loving wife, but she's actually been somewhat supportive. I guess dinner out on Friday night is in order here.
For now I won't go any further with the layout. There's a train show this Saturday about 80 miles away and we plan to go. Can hardly wait! Wish me luck. I really am taking this endeavor one step and one thought at the time.