Hey everyone,
just another topic for advice. I have been trying to decide how to make the benchwork for my new layout. I have decided for the bottom layer that it will be 36" tall with a 2" foam base and the upper level will be 55" tall. I think I will use a shelf method for the top but I am not sure yet. Then, my next question is whether it is easier and better to lay the foam on a tabletop and then lay roadbed and tracks, or if a plywood base for the mainline surronded by plaster mountains is better? I've heard good and bad for both and because the only one I have experimented with is foam, I'm not sure. The only other thing I would mention is that the majority of the layout is going to be a constant 1.5 to 2% grade from Wootton through San Bernadino and onto Cajon. At Cajon, it passes onto the next level and will arrive on the west coast. Thanks and ANY suggestions are more than welcome.
As you don´t mention the size of your layout or how wide the planned "shelves" will be, it is difficult to give a recommendation.
If your layout will feature a fairly flat scenery, the foam over plywood method seems to be quite a good way. MR´s project layout, the "Beer Line" shows you how this is done. I personally prefer the old fashioned ply wood subroadbed plus cork roadbed, with either L-girder or open grid bench work, depending on the size of the layout. For scenery and "mountains" I have banned plaster completely - too dusty, too messy, too heavy. I use foam board "ribs", like Pelle Soeeborg.
Ok, thanks and the top part of the layout would be 2-3 ft wide while the bottom would reach to 5-6ft wide. It is an L-shaped layout against two walls of the room and will be very mountaineous. my only question about your suggestion would be what the Foam "Ribs" are? Is that just strips of Foam Board? But I agree that the plaster is way too painful.
mattr777Ok, thanks and the top part of the layout would be 2-3 ft wide while the bottom would reach to 5-6ft wide. It is an L-shaped layout against two walls of the room and will be very mountaineous.
Ok, thanks and the top part of the layout would be 2-3 ft wide while the bottom would reach to 5-6ft wide. It is an L-shaped layout against two walls of the room and will be very mountaineous.
May I ask how you will be able to reach a derailed train on the top level at a height of 55" when the lower part is 6 ft wide?
Foam ribs are pieces of foam cut into the contour of the scenery and glued together vertically - get Pelle Soeeborg´s book.
In this book he describes the technique as well as many others to build a master layout - it is worth it!
Oh, yeah, it is a Kalmbach book.
Alright thank you everyone, I appreciate the help and I have two pop outs against the wall spacing enough to get to derailed trains hopefully. I might add a third.