Here we have a custom model railroad designed by a client to fit custom cabinetry in his home. Our client began by submitting a track plan featuring a modest industrial pulp wood and gravel switching operation. Once our design team developed the concept of the design fabrication began on the modules.
Modular benchwork construction coincided with photographs and dimensions provided within our clients track plan. The design called for modules to be assembled and mounted on custom finished cabinetry. The system flush mounts to the back wall with the front flush with the cabinetry to match the rooms’ décor. To facilitate a finished appearance, all turnout controls are recessed into the benchwork and face finished with a ¼ luanne secured with brads. All corners were mitered to ensure a seamless appearance.
Shortly after fabrication began our client drove up from Atlanta to visit our new facility to learn wiring techniques and track lying processes. During the visit we were provided with a paper footprint of the finished cabinetry where the modules would be attached. With exception to one turnout, all of the tracks aligned exactly to the track plan specifications; the design began to resemble a beautiful finished product.
Over the course of production collaboration became essential to ensure operational details. Being a railroad executive our client emphasized the importance of prototypical operations and applications. Thanks to Caboose Industries, Inc. we secured a low manual switch stand for manual throws in the industrial sidings. Cabooses Industries President Steve truly came through for this project in guiding us to their model 210S with operating targets. Once painted, these affordable switch stands provided for a moderm realistic operation of ensuring proper alignment with hand painted red and green targets. Main line operation turnouts are controlled with Tortoise Switch Machines.
Spanning the distance between the cabinets called for a mix of craftsmanship and engineering. To achieve a realistic approach (while ensuring safety of the headend equipment and revenue behind it) the A.E.R. Group staff fabricated a wooden frame trestle base to be inserted into groves on either end modules. Electrical conduction for the bridge was fabricated in addition to safety systems to prevent equipment traveling down the bridge lead. With a combination of two single through truss bridges and one plate girder bridge (all Central Valley Kits) the span was achieved. The craftsmanship and level of quality enables our client to safely enter and exit his pike without risking injury to self or equipment. In addition, scenery applications (e.g. water) and turf can be applied to the surface for an uninterrupted scenic appearance.
Communications between all parties was essential in the design, fabrication, assembly and installation phases of this system. This build is truly a testament of achieving realistic model railroad operations in collaboratively crafting a functional piece of décor.
Thanks for visting with us and we hope you enjoy our 2012 season with the A.E.R. Group Team.