Benchwork Buildout - 8 pics

[luther_stanton]

I started building my around the room layout last July (2005). During the process, I have taken numerous pictures to track progress, but have just gotten around to cleaning them up (cropping, etc) for posting in the forum. Here are some from the first set -- getting started on the bench work. I decided to go with an "L-girder" approach following the guidance in "How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork" by Linn Westcott. This is an excellent book by the way.

Anyway, enough commentary, on to the pictures!

This was the starting point. For a month or so I "took over" a free room and put in a free standing 4 x 8 layout. I supported with an L-girder table as I wanted to try out some of the techniques in the book.



This was a storage room and at the time was still being used as such, at least part time. There is a definite lack of orange boxes [:D]

Assembly of each unit (I constructed a total of 4 for an around the room layout) started with the L-girder - 2 1x2s glued / screwed together:


I started each leg assembly with 2 2x2s and a 1x3. The legs were cut to 48"


Next I added some cross bracing in the form of 1x2s:


Once everything went through a final fitting, I added the remaining screws and trimmed everything up:


I added a blind nut and screw in the bottom of each leg to help keep everything level.


Once the legs assemblies and girders were completed, I assembled them in the train room.



This picture also shows the final side angle bracing added to some of the benches that are already in place toward the back of the picture:


It was time consuming to get everything built out (about 6 week ends worth of time with a few hours each day). I was really surprised at the stability and strength once I had everything in place and braced.

Regards,
Luther

[dwiemer]

Looks good. Please keep us posted.
Dennis

[csxt30]

That is a very nice job of benchwork !! I use L-gurder & open frame, but L-girder enables you to move a cross piece if say you are putting in a lake & a cross piece is in the way, you can just remove it or move it over ! Great job !!

[thatboy37]

hey i like the braces i'm still thinking about how im going to do my braces but havent had any time this weekend as i was in cincy. you said it took six weeks to build and thats some really nice bench work. also great pics

[Frank53]

excellent work - the step by step photos are great.

[ChiefEagles]

Hey, I've got the leveling screw type "feet" to go on the bottom of my benchwork legs. I think that is a good idea.

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ChiefEagles

Hey, I've got the leveling screw type "feet" to go on the bottom of my benchwork legs. I think that is a good idea.

His benchwork looks a lot like yours Chief.

Only difference I can see is that his is assembled. [:D]

[Anonymous]

Very nice benchwork, Luther, and I particularly think it was a good idea to go with 48" legs. Personally, I think the hgher-up one can build his layout--consistent with still being easy to work on, etc.--the better the resulting view from the standpoint of perspective. After all, most of us don't view real trains from the tops of mountains or from airplanes,

[ChiefEagles]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Frank53

QUOTE: Originally posted by ChiefEagles

Hey, I've got the leveling screw type "feet" to go on the bottom of my benchwork legs. I think that is a good idea.

His benchwork looks a lot like yours Chief.

Only difference I can see is that his is assembled. [:D]

Got me there. [:0]

[luther_stanton]

Thanks for the comments / feedback everyone.

The leg levelers were invaluable. I put the benches in a carpeted room and found that I had to put 4"x4" pieces of 3/8" plywood to get a decent adjustment. Otherwise, the bolt heads just sunk into the carpet.

As John mentioned, when you want to do scenery below track level the web / girder method can not be beat - you just move the cross piece or angle it as needed. However, I think it requires a lot more work to build out the scenery - a fact I am just now realizing! If you are using sheet plywood for the top you have instant terrain - with the approach that I took, you have to custom build / fit even simple flat terrain that is even with the track.

On the other hand, the cross braces can also be used for more than just holding the road bed. I built shelves that hang down from them to hold items such as SC-2s, small transformers, my TMCC base, etc. I also mount terminal strips, wire loops, etc to really clean up the underside of the layout with respect to wiring.

- Luther

[dwiemer]

Luther,
good points. I hope to be building benchwork next month. I had planned to do as you are doing, but with the thought of using extruded foam, I may modify the plan a little. Maybe a combination of techniques.
Good work.
Dennis

[pmilazzo]

On my benchwork I used 2X2 legs like you and I bought some leveling feet at lowes that came 4 in a package. The leveling feet are about 1.5" with felt on the bottom. Next time give those a try and you won't need to put any under the legs to level them. I almost when with a leveling bolt, but when I found the leveling feet, they were perfect.