The present invention relates to a novel method and structure for constructing an elevated structure for an artificial landscape. More particularly, the invention is directed to a method and structure which can be used to form a model subroadbed above a base surface so that low-lying areas can more easily be constructed.
Railroading enthusiasts and hobbyists of all ages have long enjoyed the challenge of model railroading. One of the challenges faced by these hobbyists is constructing a realistic layout that accurately simulates an actual landscape. Before the layout can be constructed, it must first be designed. Designing the layout includes determining the scale, size and overall shape, as well as the time period to be modeled. Further, the modeler must decide what types of industries will be represented on the layout, whether a town will be included, as well as what natural formations, such as trees, lakes and mountains will be present. Certain limitations, such as the available space and the expense involved are, of course, considered when making the above decisions. Further, the layout will include a pattern for the track on which the train will travel. This pattern may involve elevational changes for the track, to simulate grades, bridges and tunnels. The layout may also include low-lying areas, to simulate such things as rivers, ditches and valleys. After the layout is designed, it must then be constructed.
In general, railroad transportation involves a locomotive that pulls the rolling stock, which may include passenger cars and freight cars. The locomotive and the rolling stock are supported and travel along a track that is in turn supported by a roadbed. The roadbed is supported upon a subroadbed structure. Thus, in constructing a model railroad layout it is necessary to construct the subroadbed upon which the track is placed. The subroadbed that is constructed must conform to the grades in the layout, and support the track and roadbed that are placed thereon.
In the past, when low-lying areas were to be constructed, a benchwork support system is used. The benchwork is constructed of a series of wooden supports, which support pieces of a base material. Various levels of the layout may be created by supporting the various base pieces with the wooden supports at the needed heights. This allows a low-lying area to be created by supporting different base pieces at different heights. Low-lying areas would include streams or rivers, valleys, ditches and ravines. Basically, it may be desirable to simulate any low-lying area which exists in the real world. However, as may be appreciated, constructing such a benchwork is not a simple task, and requires the use of power and hand tools, as well as a high degree of skill. Further, once the benchwork is constructed, the modeler is somewhat restricted in changing the layout if any changes in the benchwork are required.
Previous methods for creating a graded subroadbed for a model landscape have also been difficult, time consuming, and noisy. The needed inclines or declines were typically constructed from wood and required the use of power tools, hammers and nails. The nature of the materials used made it difficult to construct an incline or decline with a uniform and continuous grade. The difficulty increased significantly when an incline or decline was desired to be curved so that a rise or fall in elevation could continue throughout a radius in the layout. Further, the previous methods and devices for constructing a terrain grade and subroadbed resulted in a relatively heavy layout. If the layout was desired to be somewhat portable, the added weight made it more difficult to relocate the layout.
Therefore, a method and a structure are needed that can be used to quickly and easily create a relatively lightweight subroadbed on an artificial landscape that more easily allows low-lying areas to be created. Still further, a method and structure are needed that allow a modeler to more easily change the overall layout without having to replace the layout base or benchwork.