Benchwork and track plans....

[Anonymous]

Ok after reading as much info on this forum as my eyes can stand I need to know if there are any web sites that go into detail of building Benchwork and explains L-girder I am a newbie and I have no clue what it is or how to build it. My current layout is built on a 2x4 frame supported by 2x4 legs with 3/4 plywood as a base I want to lighten this up if possible with out getting thinner plywood since I have already gone to the expence of buying it. my Ideal size for my layout would be 14feet long on one wall and mabey 10 feet up the other ( i have a good sized basment to use) so I am thinking 4 feet wide up to the ends with 5 or 6 foot wide after that for my turn arounds to make it a continous with a lot of switching in the middle a hidden staging yard would be good with room for possibly 3 or 4 trains. While I am at it anyone have a plan like that they would want to share?[:)][:)][:p][:p]

[dehusman]

Kalmbach sells a book on benchwork construction. Get that to start off.

You don't need 2x4's for the framework, 1x4's will work as well. You can use 1/2 plywood for the base if you think 3/4 ply is too heavy.

A normal person can only reach about 30-36" comfortably. I would reduce the depth of your benchwork along a wall to 24-30" normal or 36" max. If the "turnarounds" (often called "blobs" in RR planning) are 5 or 6 feet wide, plan a hatch or popup in the middle so you can reach the track in the back to maintain it or work on scenery.

Dave H.

[rexhea]

[#ditto]

I have built sun decks, porches, and piers, but I'm not a carpenter. I was skiddish about framing with 1x4's until I read the book dehusman mentioned. I built an open grid following its instruction and used 1x4's and 1/2" BC plywood where I had had planned flat places. It is very strong and when it needs to, holds my 190 lbs with no problem.

Please do watch the width. I have some places that are 5 feet across. My thoughts were that I could reach 2 1/2 feet from the sides to get to any track in the middle. BAD MISTAKE! [:(] You have to consider everything including the scenery or buildings that you will be reaching over.

Also, this width has become a real pain when I'm trying to landscape. I have to finishall the distant parts first and then work my way out including track laying. No way to do it later.
(Its also rough on the back)[(-D]

Hope this helps.
REX

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for your help I was trying to get some ideas for the layout but havnt found too much online in the way of instruction I guess I was just trying to find stuff here rather then buy a library of books that I will read once and put away and have the wife nag me for buying something I never look at. Plus I would rather spend more time at the layout than reading. I dont have much time so I try to spend it doing work. I really was hoping there would be so indepth web pages on building track work I havnt found them yet so if you know of any I am all ears.

[rexhea]

polizi,

I would still recommend books. They are usually loaded with pictures that can give you a better idea of what they are talking about. Kalmbach Publishing has a good selection covering from beginner to beyond in most areas.

One thing you can do as far as online instruction is go to NMRA site http://www.nmra.org/

There is a section called "Beginners Page Project". There is enough coverage to get you thinking and its a good starting point. There are also many links to home and club layouts you can visit. You can do as I did and look at these and get a wealth of good ideas that are in-line with your visions.

I used 3d Planit software http://www.trackplanning.com/
to help transfer my vision to reality. You don't have to be a trained AutoCad user to be able to use it and its not expensive for what it can do for you $99.95. I worked 3 months (large layout) with it making changes in my design as I learned more or had better ideas. Now, a year later, I can still make changes in the plan to see if a new turnour, spur, or loop will fit. After you draw your section. you can get exact radius, elevations, length of track, measurements from point a to b, and etc...

As discussed in another thread; Take a deep breath and get started. The more you work on your layout the more you will learn and the more ideas you'll have.

Happy Railroading,[:)][:)]
REX

[jfugate]

Here's an online link that might help:


http://mymemoirs.net/preview.php

On here you will find a video clip that illustrates, using a 3D computer model, how the multi-deck L-girder benchwork is constructed on my HO Scale Siskiyou Line.

Unfortunately, all the info is not available online since myMemoirs Video wants to sell you a DVD/VHS tape with all the details. It's understandable though because we're talking about 80+ minutes of demonstrations, diagrams, computer models, and other instruction. To do all that as streaming video you can actually *see* would be a monstrous download.

But the preview should give you some idea, and if you want to see the actual video, it should be available in a few weeks.