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Could I(bench work)

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  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Winnipeg Canada
  • 1,637 posts
Posted by Blind Bruce on Sunday, March 27, 2005 3:10 PM
I have been told that a sub-base of 1/4" plywood would be an advantage both in strength and fot underside mounting of things such as switch machines. I really like the light weight of foam only though. If "foam only", wouldn't you need the 1X4's closer together? That would offset the weight advantage.
BB

73

Bruce in the Peg

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 27, 2005 9:42 AM
Thanks...I wont be standing on it! Lets hope the duck tape keeps the kids off it!! LOL...Thanks again!
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, March 26, 2005 9:48 PM
Check my web site - everything is 1x4 framing with 2" foam on top.

Like Chip says - just don't stand on it. Or lean too hard on it, you CAN dent the foam. Dropping heavy tools on it is also not good. So long as it isn't where track will do (causing dips int he track work later), the dents aren't bad - I've never seen real ground that is as flat and smooth as a graded parking lot anyway. Dips and bumps int h ground just make it look better. Dips and bumps in the track though,t hat's not so good.
It's not THAT fragile - I don't mean to scare you away. And the other advantages outweigh the disadvantages, IMO. Easy to use, and it goes together fast.

--Randy

Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Saturday, March 26, 2005 8:52 PM
Uh, don't stand on it? No, people do it all the time. Give you a lot of leeway in creating uneven ground and streams.

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 26, 2005 8:42 PM
Would I run into any type of problems with this type of base?
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Saturday, March 26, 2005 2:42 PM
Sure.

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Could I(bench work)
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 26, 2005 2:41 PM
Ok...My layout is not true in width! As in its width goes from 1 foot to 3 foot! rather then use plywood sheets..Could I just use 1 x3 or 1x4 cross-members supports and use 2 inch foam board for my base?

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