New shelf an bench mods

I thought that today I would weld a new shelf into the back of the layout as the bench was full of "good stuff or treasure for future use".My shed is made from steel frames, so having steel hanging about the back yard I cut a 3 metre length, placed it in position with some clamps and then tack welded it.
Not being a novice at welding I removed buildings, covered rails, removed trees, placed ply sheets over scenery, etc.

I forgot one of the basic rules - have some water ready, just in case.

I began welding, then my arm felt heat. I stopped welding and notice that my trees that were a about a metre away from the welding were on fire. I tried to beat it out but the trees rapidly spread before I grabbed a piece of plywood and smothered the fire. The trees were out but the foam for the scenery started to burn which caused some frantic slapping with the ply.

Result - in about 20 seconds - one burnt out area of forest with just flattened wire for trees and melted foam. Also when I did get some water to get rid of the smouldering foam scenery, that section of layout is wet.

Then trying to breath all the smoke and fumes caused me to exit the shed for some clean air.

I guess I wanted to do some changes to the Sandstone and Mudcrab Railway, so this will be in the repair side of things.

I forgot Murphys Law. What can go wrong will go wrong.

Always have too much protection when using heat around the layout, have some fire extinguishing system ready in case and when fire does start on the layout be aware of how fast it can spread as well as the toxic fumes created.
Andrew Sandbar & Mudcrab Railway( Bushfire Edition)

 

Only thing missing was the song by the Doors - light my Fire!
Andrew