Hello out there. I can't make heads or tails of how to post so what has happened is that I've just added photos (I seem to be able to do that!) without explanations. Bear with me as I try to play catch-up. Clarke, in conference with the client, designed this Basic Layout: frame faced with painted T-111/rug covered track platforms/track (as per clients needs)/wiring/controls. We went from the design phase to Fletcher Conlon (Clarke's assistant) working out the details on the computer and printing out the plans from which Bob & Ray (our carpentry/comedy team) built the base. When the base was assembled (and note the T-111 facing) an inner framework of spreaders was built and inserted to support the trackboards which are framed and made into 'little platforms' which will be bolted onto the base. (There will be several levels of track so you'll see them growing from the base track board platform). Do note in the photo of the track platform there are 'portholes'. These are to run the wiring through. Since Clarke spent some 40 years designing scenery and lighting for shows and operas many of which had to travel, Dunham Studios layouts are built and wired in segments for easy travel and assembly. (And ironically disassembly as a number of our clients have moved at least once and we've had to disassemble their layouts and reassemble them at their new location. But that's another story.)Anyhow, the photos you see (somewhere) above illustrate the thread we're following on the Straightforward Basic Layout. Do bear with me. A computer whiz, I'm not. Computer semi-literate is closer to it.
Barb
