Having a busy schedule and a 3 hour round trip commute to work each day leaves little time for the hobby.  Angel and I decided that building benchwork was not  the best use of our precious time.  We had spent a lot of time and energy finishing the basement and we were anxious to start trackwork, not do more construction. 

We decided to use Sievers Benchwork for the layout.  Sievers produces standard box sections with legs in many sizes.  Most of the layout uses these sizes, but we did have Sievers construct a few custom sections.  We can't say enough good things about Sievers.  All of the wood is number 2 pine, sanded and pre-drilled.  All the legs have levelers.  In about 7-1/2 hours, we had all the box sections constructed and laid out correctly on the floor.  

Greg checks the packing list

Less than 6 hours into the project - all the sections are built!

Most of the benchwork sections positioned on the floor 

Angel & Duke with the first section of benchwork with legs

Legs underneath the single-level section.  The aisle in the middle represents the Blackwater Canyon section of the layout

Looking from what will be Bayard toward Luke

This part of the layout represents the area between Thomas and Bayard, WV.

Section in front of Greg will be the Westvaco paper mill at Luke

Starting the double-decked section (lower level is the staging yards)

Double-decked level is completed

Starting to add the subroadbed

Subroadbed for the staging yards

 Sizing up the helix