The Sydney project 05: Framing the main staging yard

In the previous installment of this series, I built the curved approaches to the lower staging yard. This week, I'll build the frames to support the main staging yard above it.
If you are in the market for a custom model railroad design and/or build, please contact me at: www.superiormodelrailroads.com

[@user-sv4pj5jl8n]

Good to see your dog in the video.

[@TheSonofruss]

Nice to see the supervisor’s approval

[@stevepayne750]

I am in awe of the wealth that your clients must have to Ave you build such beautiful, expansive layouts. I wish we could get to see them in running sessions.

[@mpeterll]

One day we might see running sessions posted on the owner's channel.

[@DonStratton-cn9rj]

Awe-inspiring. Loved the 'gentle kick' comment to to perfect alignment.

[@mpeterll]

Glad you liked it. I considered editing that comment out as I wasn't sure if it sounded professional enough.

[@LyntreeTown20132]

Impressive carpentry work will follow the progress

[@drewpierce2273]

As a newer model railroader, I was surprised to learn that professional model railroad designers and builders exist. I have been learning some good techniques from this site.

[@mpeterll]

I'm glad I've been able to assist you.

[@charlesemerson6763]

More amazing work. I hate to think how much this is going to cost to ship to Oz as USPS charge more than enough to ship four Athearn F units to Oz US$105.99.

[@mpeterll]

It will be a full 40' container.

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU FROM AUSTRALIA

[@RicardoRMartinelli]

You do a lot, If I may say it, help would be useful.

[@mpeterll]

For the most part, a helper would only slow me down.

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

Wow Peter, massive amount of repetition on this build, how do you keep motivated and working at that pace.

[@mpeterll]

It's only those long staging yards (and the narrow sections along the other side) that are repetitive, so it's not too difficult. On the plus side, all those duplicated framing pieces are prime candidates for batch-building which allows for faster progress. Seeing the progress each day (and feeling the client's excitement when I send him progress reports) keeps me motivated.

[@Wolfe351]

really impressive timber work!! Mines rough as compared to that!! LOL Which brand of track are you using?? That staging yard is a monster!! Is the customer going to run really long protoypical consists?

[@mpeterll]

Trains typically in the 30' range (a scale half mile). Still very short by prototype standards, but long enough to look right without being overwhelming.

[@martingrimmitt3992]

Looks like you’re going to need a bridge to cross between inner and outer areas once you get the other sides of the layout set up. Seems funny for an HO layout!

[@mpeterll]

I don't understand what you are trying to say. Maybe viewing the design videos will answer your concerns.

[@vmal1313]

Hi Peter I see that your plywood is quite thick, how heavy each frame could be? Congrats for accurate and awesome job! Cheers from Lisbon🍻

[@mpeterll]

I frame everything with strips of 3/4" plywood, and use 1/2" for the tops. This is pretty normal. I can lug them about by myself or they can be carried easily by two people. I haven't actually weighed any benchwork sections, but they are more awkward than heavy.

[@vmal1313]

@@mpeterll I appreciate your answer and the time to do it 😃 Many thanks 🙏 Keep on the excellent work Peter 🤩

[@rayopeongo]

When building a multi-layer layout, is it better to build from the top down or bottom up? I would think that building from the top down would be easier as you could do the wiring under the top layer without the lower layers being in the way. Or can you build in a modular fashion? You would build the "skeleton" of the layout, maybe install the bottom layer, then build and wire modules or sections off to the side, on a workbench or other supports, and then slot them into whatever layer and hook it up? Your modular benchwork might make that easier. As a man of advancing years with various stiff joints, I don't think I have the flexibility to manage some of the stuff that you are doing.

[@mpeterll]

Building from the bottom up is the only way to go. The upper levels need the lower levels for support.

[@rayopeongo]

@@mpeterll Excellent. Thanks for the advice and the reply.

[@robmcconnell4702]

@@mpeterll Indeed it does need that support

[@markdebsauzzietravels]

WOW nice work and it's coming down under :) Not sure if you mentioned it but could you tell me the height of the first and second level please I'm trying to build something similar but have run out of room for staging Cheers Mark

[@mpeterll]

The elevations were discussed in the design videos. For multi-deck layouts, optimum deck heights depend on several things, first of which is which deck has the main operating areas. For a layout like the Missabe & Western that I built a few years ago where the main yard areas are on the middle deck with the upper deck being mainly scenic running, I set nominal deck elevations at 24, 44 and 64". On this layout, where the main operating areas are all on the upper deck, I designed everything 8-9" lower. This means that I also rad out of space for the lower staging yard, requiring a few special considerations - thinner benchwork, a lower creeper, reduced reach-in distances, etc. If you need some assistance, personal consulting time can be purchased through my website in blocks as small as one hour.

[@roscozone8092]

Hi Peter - I might be mistaken, but I thought I caught a hint that this build was for a commercial client (eg. a museum…)? If so, would the client be willing to allow you to divulge who they are? If so, I’d be wanting to go and check it out once installed… 🙂

[@mpeterll]

No, it's a private client. He has commented on several videos. Furthermore, he will probably be looking for operators once serious operating sessions begin.

[@PeterTillman3]

@@mpeterllI will indeed 👍

[@roscozone8092]

@@PeterTillman3🙂🙂 A team of Peters…I assume that was part of the selection criteria… 😉 I see this is to be installed into a basement space - I’m assuming there’ll be a door large enough to allow the pre-assembled sections to enter the building, as well as sufficient space for unloading and manouvering…? It’s an aspect that’s often overlooked…

[@PeterTillman3]

@@roscozone8092 🤣

[@PeterTillman3]

@@roscozone8092the basement has been designed to house the layout so access is not an issue 👍

[@Woody8654]

can you share a track plan?

[@mpeterll]

It's in the play-list.

[@ajkleipass]

Peter, as I watch you build this monster of a layout, I can't decide if you are amazing or insane (or maybe both) for building this alone. Has it ever crossed your mind to hire on an apprentice or two? For example, you could easily find a part-time worker from the stagecraft side of your local college's theatre program. It would make life a bit easier for you, and give them exposure to woodwork designs we don't necessarily encounter in theatre, but could translate to a job in construction or custom furniture or cabinetry.

[@mpeterll]

For the most part, a "helper" would only slow me down and probably make mistakes that would waste materials, not to mention the liability issues with someone else using my power tools.

[@glt0145]

I just want to know how on earth are they going to get it down into a basement

[@mpeterll]

It all comes apart into sections designed to fit down the stairs.

[@Bliz0516]

If I may ask, what cas software do you use for layout design?

[@mpeterll]

3rd-plan-it