Before beginning construction on the Deer Creek & Susquehanna Railroad in 2007, the dedicated railroad room in the basement was completely finished. The main room that the railroad occupies is approximately 24 feet by 8 feet, with an additional area under the stairs. Other household items also must be housed in this space, such as the furnace, water heater, sump pump, and general storage. I also allowed space for a workbench and sink to use while working on the railroad. To complete the room, ample electrical circuits were installed, walls were drywalled and painted, the drop ceiling and general room lighting was completed, and the floor was covered. All of this made work on the railroad much more comfortable. Next, came the construction of the benchwork to support the railroad. I have used a combination of L-girder support, open-grid benchwork and shelf supports, depending on the needs of a particular section. All of this was completed as modular sections to make disassembly at a future date possible. The subroadbed is cabinet grade half-inch plywood supported by risers. All of this should give the railroad a good foundation for many years of reliable operation. Now I can begin laying track.
