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Benchwork filler

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  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: United Kingdom
  • 552 posts
Benchwork filler
Posted by bsteel4065 on Thursday, August 16, 2007 11:19 AM

Hi guys

I'm in the process of laying down my 3/4" sheets on mynew railroad build. (HO, PRR lakes div + NYC - double decker in my loft.) I'm making sure everything is flush and flat and it's going well. But I have a few gaps (1/8" at most .... honest!) here and there on the big areas where two sheets are together that I need to fill and eventually sand flat. Any suggestions on a product to use to fill these gaps? 

Thanks in advance

Barry Cool [8D]

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 16, 2007 11:30 AM
Are you talking 3/4 plywood? You don't, eventually, you'll put down scenery and it will cover the gaps. mike h.
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Amish country Tenn.
  • 10,027 posts
Posted by loathar on Thursday, August 16, 2007 11:35 AM
Durhams Water Putty works pretty good. (better than plaster of sheet rock mud.)
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,481 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, August 16, 2007 1:06 PM

I'd agree with Mike.  In fact, I think you're better off leaving a small gap while the wood "seasons" and comes to grips with whatever the ambient humidity is going to be.  If the gap bothers you, or you're worried about spilling something and having it drip through on to the floor, then put down a strip of plaster cloth.

Of course, this assumes that there is no level difference between the two sheets of plywood.  If there is, you might want to work on your benchwork before you try to run any roadbed and tracks across the gap.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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  • From: Culpeper, Va
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Posted by IRONROOSTER on Thursday, August 16, 2007 1:54 PM

I wouldn't worry about 1/8" gap.  Roadbed and track will have no problem with it and scenery will just fill it in.  The only exception would be if you were to pour a pond (or something similar) where the gap is - then you need to plug the gap as part of your pond bottom preparation.

Enjoy

Paul 

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 16, 2007 6:47 PM
Just caulk it.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 290 posts
Posted by steamnut on Friday, August 17, 2007 12:57 PM
I agree with Pilot - use caulk.

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