Wooden Loading Docks

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
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I would like to build some wooden loading docks for several structures in HO. Is there a source that would give me an idea of the appropriate dimensions for the various parts of the structure? Should the vertical posts be 6x6, 8x8, etc? What size for the cross pieces, decking, and any diagonal bracing? All help will be greatly appreciated.

wdcrvr

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Hi wdcrvr,

I am no expert. This is speculation so ignore it if you wish.

I don’t think that there is one single standard for building wood loading docks. I would suggest that you choose the dimensions of the lumber based on what the loading dock is expected to handle, weight wise.

I wouldn’t spend too much time deciding whether to use a 6x6 vs an 8x8 for a lighter duty dock. The actual difference in size will be hardly noticable. If it makes you feel more comfortable then use the larger size. If the dock is serving a heavy industrial factory, then 12x12s would obviously look better.

Keep in mind that the heavier duty the dock, the thicker the planking would be.

Bottom line is ‘do what looks good to you’.

Dave

3

Loading docks are mostly custom made. Which means the “several structures” you’re talking about all are different. A lot depends on what kind of loads you put on the structure. If all you’re going to have is fork lifts, that’s not very much. If you’re backing a truck up it, it’s a lot more.

Here’s a shot of a what most model railroaders would call a loading dock, a free-standing one near a team track:

The posts seem to be 10" square. The beams look about the same in height. The diagonals look kind of random-y. The floor looks like 8 x 8’s.

Ed

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I was writing mine as Dave posted his. We said the same thing. So that PROVES we’re right. And strikingly brilliant. And quite handsome. And very charming, and…

Ed

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Hi Ed,

Isn’t it against the forum rules to tell absolute lies about people?!? Am I brilliant?!? Many would disagree! Am I handsome? That died a long time ago! Charming? I’m too old and crusty to charm anyone!!!

Thanks for the laugh!![bow][(-D][(-D][(-D]

Cheers!!

Dave

Sorry to the OP for hijacking the thread.[:$]

6

I say build 'em to last. Here’s one for a factory in Elfrida…

…I pre-painted the decking in various shades of weathered creosote…

…then hacked it into useable lengths with my “Chopper”…

…I’ve yet to add some ground cover, but at least the structure is finished…

I also did a small LCL warehouse in the same town…

Quite a few years ago, I built several identical loading docks for use at team tracks in the various on-layout towns…

…but they’ll have to wait, as photobucket has decided to perform some “upgrades”. I’ll add them later.

Wayne

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Mine is packed up somewhere, but those are 1" white squares if that helps

8

Shows 10"x 10"

From this page Links from this page dead

https://discover.hubpages.com/games-hobbies/The-basics-building-a-loading-ramp

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Here are a couple of the loading docks I built for use at the team tracks in my various on-layout towns…(click on the pictures for a larger view)

Most of my on-layout ice houses also have loading docks, including the main one which supplies the local outlets…

…and the stock pens, too…

…and, of course, many other industries have them, too…

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10

Hello All,

Many loading docks that were made by the railroads used old ties.

The dimensions of the average railroad tie is 9"(W) scale [7/64"] actual x 7" (D) scale [5/64"] actual and 8’-6" (L) scale [1-11/64"] actual.

An inexpensive option for this size of scale lumber is wooden Large Kitchen Matches.

Soak them in water to remove the flammable tips and then allow to air dry on paper towels.

Because of the random shape of the match sticks, it replicates the wear of used ties.

To replicate the creosote color I use Minwax wood stain.

I mix 3-parts Red Mahogany (#225) with 1-part Ebony (#2718).

Then I put the dried match sticks in a 1-quart zip-top freezer bag, add enough of the stain mix to coat, seal the bag and shake well.

With a nitrile gloved hand, I remove the stained ties, lay them in a single layer on several sheets of paper towel, and allow to air dry in a well-ventilated area (outdoors is best).

The remaining stain mix can be brushed on the structure as needed.

Hope this helps.