Mianne Benckwork and Cookie Cutter Layouts.

[Anonymous]

I am thinking about doing a roughly 4x8 cookie cutter layout. I have been impressed with the Mianne Bennhwork and I am wondering if this would still work? The layout does not go below the main level, just up. I would probably still need to tack on 1x4 risers to support the upper ramps etc., but I didn't know if you could do this on their benchwork.

[cwclark]

I think that "L Girder" benchwork is the best way to go...it has cross member joists perfect for attaching 1 x 4's to for risers....the cross member joists are also perfect for attaching fascia boards to with no or little alterations to the benchwork...Chuck

[NZRMac]

Mines cookie cutter design have a look at the link below

Ken.

[SpaceMouse]

I'm doing mine cookie cutter. I haven't set the risers yet. that is next weekend, but I don't forsee a problem. I'm not using the L-frame, but rather building on a 1/2 ply on a 1x4 frame . The "Cookie" is also 1/2 ply and the risers will be every six inches.

[Anonymous]

Hey spacemouse, how did you make those risers?
Nice layout!

scada

[TurboOne]

[#welcome] cooker_ fox glad you are here. What scale are you modeling in ? I haven't done the cutter part yet. I still need to work out how hight my upper track can be. But looks like you have many examples so let us know what you decide to do.


Chip your layout is looking great. Are you running trains anywhere while you are building ?

Tim

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by scadaman29325

Hey spacemouse, how did you make those risers?
Nice layout!

scada

The ones you see are fake--the ones you get in cheap tressel sets. The real ones will be 1x3 every 6". I haven'e done the calcs yet, but I'm guessing I have about a 3% grade. Just checked 2.8%.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TurboOne


Chip your layout is looking great. Are you running trains anywhere while you are building ?

Tim

The inner (lower) loop is working and my son and I have been running a few trains in between working. Of course, I did a lot of running while I was tuning the lower track. Be prepared for a lot of filing. Spent all day making the EZ turnouts reliable. One, will never be. I'm sold on tortoises and I've never seen one.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the great information and the warm welcome!

I am working in N Scale simply because I can do more with less room. I am trying to limit my size to no more than 4x8. I found a layout that has several mountain tunnels that my wife finds "neat" looking and I think I can get her involved to help with the scenery stuff if I go that direction. This is my third layout total (first N Scale). My other two were HO, but when my ex-wife and I split up I didn't get any of the track (I did get the loco's though..you know even split). This will also be my first cookie cutter one. It looks rather complicated to me, but I figure a step at a time and I should be able to get there. I have ordered several books and videos from the library and hobby stores that I have seen online that I think look interesting. I have been doing my homework on track and switches. I love the tortise look but I was thinking of sticking with Atlas switches for now. I know they don't look quite as good, but the Peco ones look like they will be hard to incorporate into the rest of the Atlas track. (Unless I have been misinformed or misunderstood). I will also be going DC not DCC for now simply because of costs. Heck I figure just to get up and running I am looking at about 500-1000 bucks.

Anyway, Thanks again and I will keep reading and as spacemouse says... dumb, but getting smarter. And I have a long way to go to get as smart as him! And Ken WOW that is some layout! some day maybe.... hmmm...

[cwclark]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cooker_fox


My other two were HO, but when my ex-wife and I split up I didn't get any of the track (I did get the loco's though..you know even split).

At least you got something during the split...my ex-wife took a baseball bat to my old layout and wasted it..she also threw my clothes in the bar-b-que pit and had a weenie roast with them...good thing i divorced her huh?...walked away with an old broke down Harley and a pick-up truck...she got everything else....Texas law really blows when it comes to who gets what...Chuck