Benchwork under way.

[CascadeBob]

What did you build the top frame from? It looks like 1x4's. Are the legs from 2x2's? It looks like you attached the top frame directly to the wall studs. How did you do this? Did you use lag bolts or regular wood screws?

Bob

[selector]

Use an odd piece of plywood to kneel or sit on...include space for heavier tools, like hammers with sharp edges, or have a second, smaller piece nearby for tools and fasteners, tape, etc.. I found a triangular piece of about 5 ft sq did a good enough job for my build.

Go easy when lifting it off the foam, but especially when placing it. Tendency is to lower the far (still moving) edge as you lay it = gash.

Addendum - I forgot the big one...your shoe heels. They'll destroy your foam.

[steffd]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kchronister



That reminds me of something I don't know... Can you walk or lean on the foam without damaging it? I've played with the stuff and used it on a module, but never really a situation where I could test that out... Seems pretty sturdy stuff, but will a misplaced foot smoosh it?

Not recommended as it can leave indentations, especially hands, knees and elbows if pressed down upon with your weight.

[Anonymous]

He he... 'round here it's pink foam, actually. Probably about 2 weeks for that.

I have to fini***he benchwork (what you see here is the product of 3 nights work from kids' bedtime to mine... figure 4-5 to go just on that). Then lay plywood base. Then put up backdrop (figure I might as well do that prior to foam). Then foam.

That reminds me of something I don't know... Can you walk or lean on the foam without damaging it? I've played with the stuff and used it on a module, but never really a situation where I could test that out... Seems pretty sturdy stuff, but will a misplaced foot smoosh it?

[ARTHILL]

Very nice, energetic plan. Good for you. I like the concept. Blue foam next week???

[ereimer]

it's great to see progress . especially when i'm not making any myself , keeps me motivated [:)]
keep the pictures coming

[Anonymous]

Okay, gang. Here are some pictures of the benchwork under way.

If you want to see the plan for which this is built, it's at http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c158/kristianj/LAYOUT12.jpg

Having said that, on to the piccies:

is the 15x4 peninsula where the passenger terminal and engine servicing live.

is looking right from the top end of that peninsula, down the 2' wide shelf that goes to the corner. From peninsula to corner is 20'

is in the corner of the room looking back toward the peninsula. The shelf to the right is 3' wide and runs 26' from the end (where I'm standing) to the corner.

Notes, etc:

Top of benchwork is 48"... Once plywood/foam is added, 50" base height.

I've always over-built in the past, much to my regret, in fact, when it came time to alter or move... Past layouts were darn near immovable. This time, I'm keeping it much lighter. So far, so good. My kids have already given it the jungle gym test and it's solid as a rock. I think, particularly, that since much of it is a 'shelf' style and it's tied directly to the studs at least every 24", I have a leg up on stability.

Before the chorus of "you should really have finished the room first" let me explain my thinking on that topic... This is a purpose-built train room. It doesn't do double-duty as a den, guest room or anything else. So no need to accommodate that. I also like being able to tie the benchwork right into the studs directly. No stud finder, no going through drywall. Finally, when all is said and done, I'll be putting a benchwork-to-ceiling backdrop up before tracklaying begins, and from benchwork-to-floor will be draped. So nobody will see those ugly stud walls in the end.

That's it for now. Lemme know what you think. More as I get it done.