Earlier in the week I had attached the first part of the backdrop to the supports.  This sheet (plus another 19″ from another sheet) were installed with the glossy side facing the Marigny River side. A 2nd sheet will be laminated with its’ glossy side facing the Elmwood side.

Once done attaching to the supports, it was pretty sturdy and not going anywhere.

The next step was to laminate the second sheet, and I started that this morning.  I used a small paint roller brush to apply Gorilla Wood Glue to an entire 8′x1′ section, and then clamped it in place. I used 1×2 garden stakes for some bracing, and small nails to push the bottom of the brace into the backdrop (like the MRR project did).

I’ll let this sit for a good 24-48 hours at least before removing the clamps.

Shaun Benchwork

I took some time off from the layout itself to work some model kits.  Last week I worked on building the Walther’s Mi-Jack Intermodal Crane.  I have it completed as 2 main sections and tires for painting (probably next weekend).

And then I assembled a Walther’s Double Track Truss Bridge kit, also waiting on a (stainless steel) paint job.

Once those were done I finished up the mounts for backdrop on the layout. Next step is to attach the backdrop itself.

Shaun Benchwork, Scenery

After getting sidetracked for a few days, this evening I snuck away into the garage to get a little layout work done.

I first cut out the river path in the benchtop with the jig-saw.

Next step will be to add some shorter risers and then re-install the cut-out portion to be the river base.

Then I started adding the supports for the backdrop.  I’m 10″ tall 1×2 supports (cut from a 48″ stick) mounted with 2 “L” brackets.  I added a some wood glue underneath too for a little added grip.

Shaun Benchwork

Last night I finished up trimming and taping up the latest track plan on the benchwork.

Today at lunch I went over to Lowe’s (conviently located 1 block from where I work) and picked up a 4×8 sheet of 1/8th masonite hardboard.  I had it cut into 1×8 strips and will use this for the backdrop.  Also got a some 1×2 boards to use for the supports.

Tonight I plan on making “the big cut” and cutting out the river portion of the layout so it can be dropped a few inches.

Shaun Benchwork