Ed, I think that if your considering lightweight modules that aren't
being shipped frequently in a bouncy U-haul truck. I would certainly
consider using a somwhat pricey product called Gator Foam. That is a
brand name and I don't know if there are other products that are
similar. The product is very rigid and, best of all, light weight.
Gator Foam comes in various thickness and surfaces and is basically like
a Oreo cookie--white foam between two hard layers of 'who knows what'!
One of our long time members, Jack Troxell, ulitized it on a second
level of his layout after I brought him a sample. We put a couple of
bricks across a span of about 6 foot and it held up well. Jacks idea
was to build the second level in sections on a work bench then slide
sections into place--very much like you intend to do. The product
accepts all kinds of glues on the outside surfaces but avoid solvent
glues on the foam. To mount a switch motor we glued 1/4 plywood down
and then screwed the motor to the wood.
For the framework I would look into the possibility of using steel
studs whenever possible--they are again light in weight. I don't have
any personal experience with them--but heck your saving a tree!
Bob
Edward Loizeaux wrote:
> >Ed & List,
> >Ken attacked the benchwork like a construction project.
> >He had the entire benchwork cut list made on the computer. He bought
> most of
> >the plywood at one time, saving money there, and kept cutting until he
> was
> >done! Does that answer your questions?
> >Bill Lane
>
> Mr. Bill....
>
>
>
> room returned to normal in between op sessions. There are some storage
> cabinets that can accommodate sections up to 42" long which are
> conveniently nearby. Thus, I envision about seven sections for each
> staging yard.
>
> My goal is to have a flat surface for the trackwork with no scenery at
> all. One staging yard will have a slight (1.75% grade) and the other is
> perfectly level. Minimum weight. Quick & easy to set up and put away.
> No sagging and strong enough to last 20 years. I am curious about using
> foam, but know nothing about it. Or plywood (how thick)? I should add
> that 3/4" plywood seems a lot thicker than what is needed, but I could
> be wrong. Techniques for the supporting framework/legs/braces/etc. are
> strange to me. Hinges, adjustable feet, methods of connecting sections,
>
>
> So I was wondering if anyone out there in S Cyber Land has perhaps done
> something like this and could offer some advice or suggestions based on
> actually having done it rather than something read in a magazine
> article. Theory is nice, but I'd prefer some hands-on experiences.
> Sagging is a nagging potential problem in my mind. Am I overly
> sensitive to this or not? What's the best way to assure a no-sag
> platform.
>
> Thanks in advance for all ideas and responses. Do appreciate 'em.
>
> Cheers...Ed L.
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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