Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

1st Layout

1948 views
11 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2020
  • 18 posts
1st Layout
Posted by johnvosh on Sunday, March 8, 2020 12:40 PM

Well, step 1 is done. I've got my modules built! Now I have to screw them all together to add some rigidity, then brace the legs, then add the 1.5 inch rigid foam on top! Everything is made from 1x3 Spruce and 1/4" Luan Mahogany plywood

 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Sunday, March 8, 2020 1:07 PM

Looking good!  Keep progress pictures comng.
 
 
 
Mel
 
 
 
My Model Railroad   
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
 
  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, March 8, 2020 4:19 PM

How exciting!

Now that I am getting closer to being back in the layout club, I am loving all these work in progress posts.

They used to make me so jealous.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Sunday, March 8, 2020 6:16 PM

Good start!

I may be wrong, but the lack of bracing of the legs makes the whole thing look a little wobbly.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, March 9, 2020 1:14 AM

Tinplate Toddler
I may be wrong, but the lack of bracing of the legs makes the whole thing look a little wobbly.

Hi johnvosh,

Is the benchwork attached to the wall? If so, cross bracing shouldn't be necessary, and without it, getting under the layout will be much easier.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Monday, March 9, 2020 6:31 AM

I too noticed the lack of bracing on the legs.

Is there a track plan for this benchwork?  It's always best to draw the track plan first and then the benchwork to fit it, otherwise you may find planning track is hampered or limited by the benchwork - limited curve radii especially comes to mind.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, March 9, 2020 6:59 AM

The thread the OP started in Feb. has his plans.

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/280746/3215502.aspx?page=1

Mike.

  • Member since
    February 2020
  • 18 posts
Posted by johnvosh on Monday, March 9, 2020 8:18 AM

Tinplate Toddler

Good start!

I may be wrong, but the lack of bracing of the legs makes the whole thing look a little wobbly.

 

I have no bracing and I have one piece that I attached to the wall with a bracket, but every section of bench is screwed to the other one so it is actually quite sturdy. I do still want to fix a few of the legs so it looks better. And then there is one spot under the window on the long bench that I want to put some drawers

  • Member since
    February 2020
  • 18 posts
Posted by johnvosh on Monday, March 9, 2020 8:20 AM

hon30critter

 Hi johnvosh,

Is the benchwork attached to the wall? If so, cross bracing shouldn't be necessary, and without it, getting under the layout will be much easier.

Dave

 

I have one piece of the bench work attached to the wall, near the closet to keep my gap the same for my lift out, but I have all the bench sections screwed to the next one os it is all actually quite stable. I still am going to add a bit of bracing to the bottom of the legs, but I still need to drill all my thru holes for my wiring first.

  • Member since
    February 2020
  • 18 posts
Posted by johnvosh on Monday, March 9, 2020 8:23 AM

riogrande5761

Is there a track plan for this benchwork?  It's always best to draw the track plan first and then the benchwork to fit it, otherwise you may find planning track is hampered or limited by the benchwork - limited curve radii especially comes to mind.

 

The basis for my layout is the Heart of Georgia layout, I am just modifiying the length and width of the layout. It is based on a 12" wide benchwork being 8' x 9'. My layout is for the most part 24" wide and 10' x 11' and I'll be running two main lines, so I should be able to use the corner radius on that layout plan which are 22 3/4", 25 3/8", 26", 27" radius

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Monday, March 9, 2020 10:16 AM

johnvosh
The basis for my layout is the Heart of Georgia layout, I am just modifiying the length and width of the layout. It is based on a 12" wide benchwork being 8' x 9'. My layout is for the most part 24" wide and 10' x 11' and I'll be running two main lines, so I should be able to use the corner radius on that layout plan which are 22 3/4", 25 3/8", 26", 27" radius

I looked up the Heart of Georgia track plan and it does look like there are triangle areas that need filling in per the layout design for the curves.

Sorta like this only maybe smaller:

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Jarrell, Texas
  • 1,114 posts
Posted by Tom Bryant_MR on Monday, March 16, 2020 9:58 PM
I would suggest attaching a few more sections to the wall - avoid pulling one inadvertantly even slightly from the wall.

Tom

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!