So today is drill holes in the walls day and I’m at the point of “measure twice, cut once” before a single hole is drilled. I’m 90% all set with the bracket style and size that I’ve been locked on, however, it does have its drawbacks. Because of the required/desired width of the shelf (12 inches) the brackets used means that there’s only 7 inches of space from the top of the cork roadbed to the ceiling.
Due to that, I would (1) not be able to utilize the MTH double track Arch Bridge as a feature and (2) not be able to run both G and O track up there as the little LGB Stainz locomotive is 6.75 inches high from the top of the railhead.
JerryG & Mark:
This is where you come in. I’ve been looking at these 10-inch Zinc-plated Corner Braces at Home Depot to cradle instead of pushing us the MDF boards like you guys do.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ev...race-15085/202033947
Using these corner braces would allow me up to 12 inches ceiling clearance which expands the possibilities immensely. However, reviewing the manufacturer Q&A on the Home Depot website, they stress continuously that the steel braces are not meant for load bearing. They don’t even mention the load bearing capacity. That’s most likely for general knowledge but also for liability on their part. What material brace did you use or do you think that the weight of model trains don’t come close to the stress limit of the braces? The 10-inch white shelf brackets I’m planning on using holds 100 lbs per pair and because MDF bows, I was planning on placing them every 24 inches.
Speaking of weight, do most of you leave your trains up on the shelves the entire time or do you remove them when done because of weight concerns?
Thanks for your assistance.
