With joists on the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad installed, David and Bryson set out to establish elevated and lowered sections, along with the grades required to reach those new heights and depths. Follow the duo as they measure, test, and recheck how the sections fit and function, before installing the essential riser components used to secure them into place.
Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into the Trains.com Workshop Webcam (available 24/7), and the full series of helpful, instructional videos rolling out every month until the effort concludes. Even then, the fun will continue in frequent Trains.com articles/updates and Model Railroader print features, beginning with the January 2026 issue. You won’t want to miss the Expert Tips and Techniques the crew will share with you along the way, as they have a bit of fun bringing the ETIP into fruition!
FWIW, and if you are creating the more prototypical scenario, minimum clearance height for railroads in the US is (minimum) 22 ft., although some railroads require 22 ft. 6 in., measured from the top of the rail.
In HO Scale, this would be 3.03 in. (or 3.10 in.)
The screws put in to the riser blocks from the top at 7:19 would not allow later adjustment once the roadbed and track are installed. If this was a larger layout with continuing upper track extending out in to the aisle it might be advisable to run the screws from the underside. As a lifetime model railroader, I am enjoying this build and I am continuing to be surprised by the MR staff showing new tricks and techniques about layout building.
Why not come out a bit farther so the grade actually meets the CN track as then you could run a switcher with cars to the CN track. If like someone above said, the drop down section you had on the WSS track, you could store interchange cars on the CN track. It would offer you much more operation.
Looks good MR Staff the layout is coming along. Risers can add elevation to your layout make sure you measure the grade before you place them or it could be too steep.
I’m thinking a couple of drop down staging like used on the WSSB. One at the end of the grade, but make level, and another just under the bridge if there isn’t room for an actual staging track.
With today’s ultra free-rolling trucks, I can’t see that ANY cars can just sit on any part of that graded track. I foresee a Tortoise or other motor driven wire coming up through roadbed and track to just above axle height to hold back the transfer cars, placed just past the turnout. Switch a cut in, raise the wire, uncouple the switcher and back it out. Then swap out the cars and place the incoming cut on the rails with the first held at the wire. When ready, bring in the loco, couple up, drop the wire and go.
Curious to see your solution.