Somewhere I had seen an idea of mounting a handrail to the fascia for little hands to hold onto when viewing the layout. Has anyone done something like that? I have had adults put their fingers over the edge of the fascia also. I have my fascia 1/2" above the edge because I have track near the edge on my shelf layout.
I can't seem to find the pictures right off hand, but I have seen some with the same handrail and brackets you would use on a wall for a stairway, fastened to the fascia.
I also seen one that was sorta heavy duty, as it was like the rail around the top of a bar, that you could lean on, and it was also fastened to the fascia.
You'd have to have a good study fascia structure to do any type of handrail.
Mike.
My You Tube
TooTall606 Somewhere I had seen an idea of mounting a handrail to the fascia for little hands to hold onto when viewing the layout.
Somewhere I had seen an idea of mounting a handrail to the fascia for little hands to hold onto when viewing the layout.
I would agree that a handrail would have to be mounted on a pretty substantial base system. I don't know about your fascia, but mine would never stand up to having even a child grab onto something and pull on it or lean on it. On mine, it would involve adding more supports behind the existing fascia, and really anchoring it to the framework.
York1 John
Most fasten their fascia to the bench work. You'd have to at least fasten a handrail through the fascia, and into the bench work structural members.
A handrail going up a stairway would be fastened through the drywall, and into a stud.
A handrail around a lay out would have to be secured much the same.
I wish I could find the pictures of the ones I've seen.
I have 1 x 4 layout framing with 1/8" hardboard fascia attached to that so the handrail would be securely attached. Since posting I have searched further but I don't remeber where I saw the idea. I suppose not many people have used a rail.
It should be easy enough to use the same brackets that are fastened to a wall for the stairs, and the same wood handrail.
Another advantage, is when people lean over the lay out to look at something, they lean over the handrail, and not the fascia.
Good luck.
TooTall606I have 1 x 4 layout framing with 1/8" hardboard fascia attached to that so the handrail would be securely attached. Since posting I have searched further but I don't remeber where I saw the idea. I suppose not many people have used a rail.
I have installed a couple of hand rails, both cheaper wood ones with metal brackets, and oak ones with oak brackets underneath.
In each case i wanted 2" of #8 wood screws driven into a two by four, standing up right.
Also put in handicap rails, the screws are bigger, going into two by fours.
Dave
A handrail is a great idea. I will add this to my construction plans.
.
Now that I think about it, id I lose my balance, I would want something to grab onto other than the layout itself.
I need one for me, not little kids.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I too don't see how a handrail running the length of a layout is secure. The fear is the handrail getting pulled out. Even getting cabinet handles is problematic.
kasskabooseI too don't see how a handrail running the length of a layout is secure
As mentioned in this thread in earlier replies, you have to mount it to the structural members of your bench work.
If your bench work is not sturdy enough, than I guess you don't have to worry about a handrail.
I came up with a handrail. It passed the test when the little ones were here visiting. It's mounted into the framing and is strong enough for me to have an assist in getting up. It also is nice to lean arms onto rather than the edge of the layout. I'll paint or stain it when I do the fascia.