PRR Panhandle 2.0

Updated 7/7/2019:

Well, I learned something interesting. Last night I was looking at the Pennsy cross-section piece of sub-roadbed as it sat in place (but not connected) and thinking it wasn’t lining up squarely with the adjoining Stone Arch. I couldn’t quite work out what was wrong.

Today, I removed it and then the lower table top (it was not fastened in any way) upon which it sits for cutting. You may be able to see the problem in this photo.

After doing so, I discovered that the rib structure it sits upon has not been screwed to the adjoining table. I had clamped the rib structure to the table to the left. It has actually sagged a bit, so the previous measurements I made assuming a level and solid foundation will have to be re-done. That’s actually a piece of good news because I had not yet made all the connections permanent. Better now than later.

I then leveled the table. Thank goodness I used leveling glides on the legs! Turning the glide clock-wise extends it.

I then attached the rib structure to the table using carriage bolts. The order is bolt head, fender washer, 1st 2"x2", 2nd 2"x2", fender washer, lock washer, nut. Two bolts to hold the tables together should be enough; I drilled additional holes for wiring.

And of course, I used the bubble level to make sure we were OK throughout.

Next steps will be to:

Replace the table top and screw it down.
Permanently attach the supporting table to the Stone Arch. I also have to drill a hole through the table and the bottom of the arch to allow the wires of the camp fire to pass through. Apparently, some hobos have built a fire inside the arch (or soon will)!
Test fit the Stone Arch on the table top and see if it fits back in the spots I marked for it. If not, we'll need to adjust.
Test fit the Pennsy cross-section sub-roadbed back in place and adjust for heights.
Screw everything down permanently.
Start installing the vertical supports and cross-members that will hold up the masonite and foam for terrain.