Colin M
Western Thunderer
I haven't posted for a bit. I thought it might be useful to post a progress marker... state of play at the start of 2013.
I'm still working on the boards, (and getting itchy to start doing something more creative!) Two boards are now constructed and ready for fitting of cabinet makers dowels to provide precise alignment. The pattern is established, so further boards should be able to follow at a reasonable pace. I've fitted guide pieces to retain 2" X 1" timber legs.
I wanted to thank Graham (DogStar) for earlier constructive advice....Without which, I would have consigned the initial board to the skip, and wasted many hours of work. His comments encouraged me to add a simple pair of cross braces, which instantly turned a board that could flex into a rigid structure that I think will be durable. Thank you!![Thumbs up :thumbs: :thumbs:](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/thumbsup.png)
![Thumbs up :thumbs: :thumbs:](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/thumbsup.png)
![Big Grin :D :D](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/biggrin.png)
![005e.jpg 005e.jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/16/16396-ed242da8515da883f2c87d1d89872c24.jpg)
![007e.jpg 007e.jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/16/16397-c519869e598a3f636f1d0db9a8377b0b.jpg)
In the end I did opt for a paint finish, rather than varnish. Takes a while to prime, undercoat etc, but I think the time invested will be repaid in years to come. Inside is gloss white, and outside currently in dark grey undercoat. I haven't made a final decision on the gloss colour for the viewing facia yet, but I have discovered a leftover can of authentic BR Blue paint in my shed, from my days working in Stratford shops. I need to open up the can and see if it is still useable after all these years!
Legs will follow next. I have created a design which allows 2 different board heights (40" normal height - for exhibitions etc. and 29" - specfically to allow the entire layout to be run in my loft whilst clearing the various rafters and beams. I have cut out the prototype set of parts. Next step is to assemble and test.
I'm still working on the boards, (and getting itchy to start doing something more creative!) Two boards are now constructed and ready for fitting of cabinet makers dowels to provide precise alignment. The pattern is established, so further boards should be able to follow at a reasonable pace. I've fitted guide pieces to retain 2" X 1" timber legs.
I wanted to thank Graham (DogStar) for earlier constructive advice....Without which, I would have consigned the initial board to the skip, and wasted many hours of work. His comments encouraged me to add a simple pair of cross braces, which instantly turned a board that could flex into a rigid structure that I think will be durable. Thank you!
![Thumbs up :thumbs: :thumbs:](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/thumbsup.png)
![Thumbs up :thumbs: :thumbs:](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/thumbsup.png)
![Big Grin :D :D](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/biggrin.png)
![005e.jpg 005e.jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/16/16396-ed242da8515da883f2c87d1d89872c24.jpg)
![007e.jpg 007e.jpg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/16/16397-c519869e598a3f636f1d0db9a8377b0b.jpg)
In the end I did opt for a paint finish, rather than varnish. Takes a while to prime, undercoat etc, but I think the time invested will be repaid in years to come. Inside is gloss white, and outside currently in dark grey undercoat. I haven't made a final decision on the gloss colour for the viewing facia yet, but I have discovered a leftover can of authentic BR Blue paint in my shed, from my days working in Stratford shops. I need to open up the can and see if it is still useable after all these years!
Legs will follow next. I have created a design which allows 2 different board heights (40" normal height - for exhibitions etc. and 29" - specfically to allow the entire layout to be run in my loft whilst clearing the various rafters and beams. I have cut out the prototype set of parts. Next step is to assemble and test.