Benchwork as well

[Anonymous]

Hello, I've been building kits and detailing Engines for 2-3 years as well as collecting all my train "stuff" ready for the big day to start my layout. I had to finish off my basement first to a point where I could begin
I have a few questions regarding benchwork.
I've chosen a John Armstrong track plan from his book, The Classic Layout Designs of JA. On page 30 (French Broad Valley) there is a perfect layout for the space I have available (18' x 10' L-shape), it also has all the features I wanted in a design.

I was wondering if anybody had any advice on what type of benchwork to build or how to go about starting it? I'm going to make a few changes to the plan such as an under the table staging area, an increase in the area (in size) at the turntable for a larger servicing facility, a bit wider in the table width at Lowasee to add a few more yard tracks as well as a passing track at the back with a 2% (or so) down to get under the layout.

I plan to start stockpiling wood next week I hope, and I'm getting as excited as my kids. Hopefully somebody is familiar with this layout as any help would be appreciated. I generally have 2-3 hours most days to work on it (my wifes on maternity leave). Does benchwork take very long ?? She's back to work in April and was hoping to have the benhwork done as well as the track layed.

Sooo it's off to the races!! [:D]

[Anonymous]

Well, L-girder bench work is flexible and fairly simple to layout with common tools. Since you have already determined the space it will occupy and the basic track layout, all you need do it creat a blueprint for the benchwork that will fit in your desired area.

There are many how to books on the subject that make it fairly simple. If you want a more powerful planning tool you may wi***o go with software designed to plan benchwork, track layout, scenery, etc, all in one. This allows you to test ideas, grades, curves, etc, without having to actually do it. Here is an example of such software (the link is to the benchwork part specifically):

http://www.trackplanning.com/wood.htm

If you really want speed and just want to start laying track as fast as possible you could have someone else build the benchwork and mail it to you. The following is an example of a company to do that:

http://www.miannebenchwork.com/default.htm

Also, keep in mind that under table staging will add some complexity as it's basically another "table top" to work with that is situated in the middle of the legs and supports. Make sure you give enough clearance to get to all the staging tracks, etc. You get the idea.

I'm sure you will do fine. Enthusiasm is your best asset.

WB

[cwclark]

I use "L" girder and it works very well...check out the pictures of my benchwork at : http://community.webshots.com/user/bayouman1 I took the pictures to get an idea how to build it...Chuck[:D]