Parade Level Benchwork

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

Oh cool! I’m glad this video popped up in my recommended. I had seen your originally video with the track plan etc when it was posted. I’d thought about it recently when I came across the video again and wondered how everything was going. Thanks for sharing!

[@BethanyBranchLine]

Thanks for your support, Andrew. I'm slowly making progress! -- Russell

[@SB5SimulationsFerroviairesEEP]

Cool! Merci du partage! Super technique! Stéph.

[@BethanyBranchLine]

Thank you, Stéph. -- Russell

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

Very innovative design. Thanks for sharing.

[@BethanyBranchLine]

Thanks for your positive comment. I hope to make more progress soon -- Russell

[@johnmartin3961]

I am building a shelf layout in HO scale. I love the lightweight base layer. I have used foam in free-mo modules, didn't think that it would be robust enough for a permanent layout. I might have to re think this. I am a fluid power professional. your elevator is like driving a stake into my heart! in my train room i have a paint booth and air compressor. I am considering building a 3d printed air cylinder to use for my elevator. Saw a couple of You tube videos showing this. (printed end caps, acrylic tube and aluminum shaft). My elevator will be to move a lift up section that will block the entry door. I will look forward to your series of videos.

[@BethanyBranchLine]

John, regarding using two-inch foam for model train baseboards, I am emulating Mike Fifer, who models N-Scale in New Mexico and has an online dealership. He rebuilt his layout over the last two years and decided to eschew the playwood base of his previous layouts. He got good results with the foam. With its obvious advantages, I decided that it is the right choice for my layout. I hope to make more progress in the near future. You sound like an accomplished modeler. Good luck with your endeavors -- Russell

[@AustinMace]

Brilliant, and love seeing a "Train Elevator" implemented. I've had a similar thought instead of a helix using 80/20 with sliders, a counterweight and some sort of motorirzed wench. Love your approach as well so will be taking a note. Also, love the detail in your design process and constraints as I find myself with similar constraints and challenges.

[@BethanyBranchLine]

Thanks for comments, Austin. Yes, the actuator works well to lift the Train Elevator and can push it up at its center, so long as the Elevator plate is stabilized by bearings gliding on rails. -- Russell

[@keyogen]

Is it a coincidence that your layout looks like a rail section view.

[@BethanyBranchLine]

Thanks, Keyogen. I didn't think about that until you mentioned it. -- Russell

[@AustinMace]

Also- do you have the heights of the parade and scenic levels?

[@BethanyBranchLine]

The benchwork of my lower "Parade" level is elevated 25-inches above the floor. The baseboard is two-inch thick foam, so the Parade Level is at 27-inches. The benchwork of upper "Scenic" level is 19.1-inches above the Parade Level or 46.1-inches above the floor. Therefore, the Scenic Level baseboard is another two-inches or 48.1 inches above the floor, with additional scenic elevations as much as five inches above that. My Track Plan video goes into more detail -- Russell

[@AustinMace]

@@BethanyBranchLine thanks, I’ll give that a watch tonight. Only other major design constraint I’m dealing with is I have sloped attic-like ceilings. Careful planning should make it manageable.