I have a 68" fireplace I need to cross. There are two tracks required (one for each direction) It will look somewhat like a sideways V as it will drop 1 inch going accoss and then another 1 inch going accross on the return.The tracks will need to be side by side but one will be about 2 inches below the other. The route is below the mantle but above the fireplace. I would like it to be no more than 6 to 8 inches wide as I don’t want my fireplace to look like it’s in a tunnel.There is benchwork on either side. One side mountains then transitioning accross the fireplace to a prairie seen Suggestions as to how to scenic this would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking something with snowsheds might be good. Thanks for any help.
How about a single tracking and 2 control points on each end with Wayside Automatics and a large truss or suspension bridge.
Alot depends on if you have a wood or gas fireplace?
I thought alot about a bridge but there will need to be a layer of heavy reflective insulation to protect from the heat of the fire so some sort of narrow benchwork is probably required.
Instead of a single long bridge, use a succession of short, low (close to the water) bridges, possibly with a short through truss across the “channel.” You could then build a thin layer of “water” on plywood, and caulk your insulation to the bottom of the plywood sheet. A length of angle iron across the back and a fascia strip (1x3 for your span) would complete the benchwork, and a ‘prairie lake’ backdrop would finish the scenery. If you wish, you could have two parallel bridges, painted differently (two different companies?) and still get away with less than 8 inches total width.
The fan-fold underlayment (10mm foam) that I’m using for roadbed comes with foil on one side. If it was assembled foil side down, with all the ironwork above the foam, it should provide satisfactory insulation. The bad news is that it comes in 200 square foot bundles, but you might be able to hustle some from a nearby construction site if they’re installing vinyl siding.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
That’s a very good idea! It never occurred to me to use a backdrop on this stretch. Thanks
Before you build anything across an operable fireplace, I would consult this site to make sure you have proper clearance between the combustion chamber and any flammable items:
http://www.fireplacesnow.com/mantel.html
Don Z.
^Aha! That complicates things a bit.
I suggest going above the matle instead of under it.
The route accross will be almost as high as the mantle, well above the fire. The only concern I have with heat is track expansion, but I tested the insulation with wood on the other side and the wood remained very cool.
I built fireplaces for 25 years so I have a pretty good idea about the affects of heat on things above the opening. Clearance to combustibles is critical so if you have a manufactured box such as Majestic or Heatilator, check the installation requirements for minimum distance to a mantle shelf above the opening. Mantels can dry out quickly. Here’s a place to begin looking:
Fireplace Mantel Minimum Clearance to Combustibles
Masonary fireplaces are more critical so check with local building code enforcement people.
If you must have the tracks running below the minimum mantel height requirement…then make the entire assembly in front of the fireplace is removable or you’ll have problems trying to collect insurance when the heat ignites the wood portion of the RR shelf. Insurance guys always take their measuring tapes to investigate house fires caused near fireplaces.
If you need help interpreting the clearance-to-combustible requirements information, feel free to email me…I’ll be happy to help you.
Mac
Thanks for your help. The fireplace is gas with a closed glass front (Napoleon) The crossing will be 10" above the louvers and 20" above the glass front. There are bricks above and around the fireplace. The crossing will be about 5" wide. So am I going to be ok? Thanks again.