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benchwork question
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<p>Thanks everyone for all of the great information. Currently, I am looking at building a HO layout consisting of a pair of 4.5x9 connected by a 3.5x8 and a 3.5x16 tables laid out in a "L" shape. The purpose of the odd shape is to offer just enough room for larger radius, while keeping the wood down and the ability to reach across and access almost the whole layout by hand, eliminating the need of a lot electric switch machines. The layout is a brainstorm of mine using the X-Tracks cad program and features I would like to have in a layout, one that will accommodate large or small trains as well as diesel and steam. Although realism is sort of the aim, not so much so, that we are recreating a real life road or following strict ops guidelines. More of a family orientated project for fun that's kept in the basement for kids, my grandpa and me. </p> <p> </p> <p>Here is a link to an image of my proposed layout: [img]http://www.vusaf.org/rphillips/set1a.jpg[/img]</p> <p> </p> <p>Ages ago, I built a cookie cuter layout following a atlas plan for a 4x8 and I followed it to the letter, I recall that the end result of the track on cork bed that was slightly taller than the surrounding scenery was not realistic looking and took away from the layout. When I moved to Texas for a short time, I joined the Alamo Model Railroad Engineers club and that's where I saw the use of homasote and liked how it was employed as a surface for laying track and scenery on and how it killed the sound, a route I would like to go with. </p> <p>I recently ordered some books form walthers on DCC, benchwork, yard layouts and some track plans so I can get some inspiration and get up to speed on things since I have been away. Till I complete some reading, I was planning on a simple box table with thin plywood with the homasote on top. The only grade I have in the plan thus far is on the back/outside as part of the mainline, nothing to major, so I have tentatively planned to use blocks of 2x4 and plywood and make a graded shelf for that portion of the layout and then later on use screen and plaster to make a hill in between the two levels with a couple of tunnels, nothing major. </p> <p>As for track, I was looking at code83 but may stay with code100. The majority of the turnouts are #5 up to #10, parts of the yard are in #4, all interconnected with flex track. This particular plan has approx 295ft of running track and 69 turnouts in all, that way the layout can accommodate my dream to have 4-8-8-4's on it one day. </p> <p>Again thanks for the info, Ill keep ya up to date on any new developments, right now, I have no date on ground breaking as of yet, its still in the "what if" stage and obtaining some permission by mama for the room in the basement ;) </p>
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