print17.page

Elevated Structures

HOME

Back to Progress

Printable View

My structure will be mostly be a hybrid of the different designs used in Chicago, except the Midway L, which just doesn't look the part. The first version that I attempted was based on the loop.

                         WP ELEVATED

This will be the first. I plan this to have a clearance of 13'4" (1 inch) so the Washington Grove Subway can make its descent with a minimal distance. The columns will be identical to the Loop, with support arches on the inside. It will go from a four track line to two, which will run in the center, because south of Roosevelt I plan to have all side platform stations, even though CTA seems bent on saving money by making every station an island.
   I am going to try and make the girder connections as seamless as possible without sacrificing strength. This will most likely entailhidden bracing, though where I hide it is beyond me.
   In order to keep the columns tense and avoid the Douglas Line Effect, the column bases will be secured to the layout with nails. The first thing I noticed about the tubing I'm using for columns is that they are hollow and can conceal a nail. I had also thought of nailing through the bottom of the wood so that I could just insert the nail into the column, but I found that to be a little tricky.
     To get the effect of cross bracing, what I have done is trace out rectangular shapes with a #11 blade, score it 2-3 times, and repeat for the other side. I then install a very skinny strip of styrene in the column to act as a divider, spray the appropriate color, and I have the columns complete.
    The last step is to take a girder side or an I-beam and simply attach the arches, which can be made with styrene and a compass.

                     BHFS ELEVATED

Construction tecniques will mirror the WP. The difference here is that the BHFS will have a 26'8" clearance (2 inches) and will have a different design. I will use the cross bracing pattern that you see on the South Side lines and former Met West Lines. I may use H-columns for this line, but it's a long way off so no commitment has to be made yet.

As far as track for these lines goes, I've been using Atlas, but I hear some newer products are coming out that may fit my needs better, so I will keep you posted.