Hello Folks,
I'd appreciate a little help with a benchwork question. I'm looking at building the Wildcat Central layout published by Model Railroader in the Basic Model Railroad Track Plans Book. The layout benchwork is foam shelf on brackets around the walls in a 10'x12' area. I will need to build the layout in an open space (could be attached to walls on two sides, but not four). If anyone is familiar with the Wildcat Central, could you recommend an alternative approach to the benchwork. Maybe I think this is more complicated than it really is but given the odd configurations of the suggested foam cutting patterns, it seems complicated to me.
This layout was also in the January 2001 Model Railroader magazine. Subscribers can see the track plan here:http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=1435
The benchwork could actually be pretty straightforward for this, whether one used foam as in the original, L-grider, or open-grid. The benchwork shapes in the article are laid out so precisely to allow them to be cut from the smallest number of foam panels. One wouldn't need to follow the contours of the edges of the benchwork exactly as shown.
I'd probably use a combination of L-girder for the free-standing sections and shelf brackets for any parts you wanted to attach to the walls.
ByronModel RR Blog
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Byron,
I thought about open grid benchwork as an option because the Wildcat Central's tracks are all on a single level. I was thinking the open grid could nicely support the foam base. However, I am concerned that the open grid approach may be a problem due to possible joist interference with switch motor placement. Thanks for your reply. Your comment about not needing to follow the precise foam edge contours helped to open my thinking. In case you can't tell, I don't have a lot of experience building benchwork.
Glad to have you aboard.
Train62 wrote: Byron,I thought about open grid benchwork as an option because the Wildcat Central's tracks are all on a single level. I was thinking the open grid could nicely support the foam base. However, I am concerned that the open grid approach may be a problem due to possible joist interference with switch motor placement. Thanks for your reply. Your comment about not needing to follow the precise foam edge contours helped to open my thinking. In case you can't tell, I don't have a lot of experience building benchwork.
Were I building this layout I would put the staging yard against the wall, but build the entire layout on L-girder benchwork. The nice thing about L-girders is that joist locations are not set in stone. If one will interfere with switch machine placement or anything else, it can be moved - or removed if not required for support of structure above it.
As with any 'donut' layout, getting inside may become a hassle. If, like me, you are about as flexible as the Washington Monument, the twin bridges opposite the staging yard lend themselves to incorporation into a drop-down or lift-out layout entrance.
My personal preference is for steel stud benchwork in conventional L-girder design. That is influenced by my layout climate - close to zero humidity, but very hot and subject to extreme temperature swings. The combination does nasty things to wood - even plywood - but doesn't affect steel. Also, the steel studs have the flanges built in.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Hi Chuck,
I agree, L girder is looking like the best option. I'm looking at a layout height of +50" so not sure at this point if I'll need a lift out or not.
Thanks for taking time to respond.
Mike