So, like many of us I'd like to build my layout "on the cheap". One way of doing this is by choosing cheaper benchwork materials (wood is expensive!).
I am planning a small N scale point-point switching layout on a 5ft x 1.5ft rectangle and I am leaning towards getting some really thin stuff (like 1/4in). My layout will be in doors so hopefully limit possible temperature warping and will have lightweight structures. I'll also be moving in 8 months and would like it lightweight to be able to transport. 1/4in too thin? Can I go thinner? The layout will be set on a dresser for now. Eventually propped on a wall with some L brackets.
If anyone out there can tell me "NO! Don't do it! For these reasons.." I'd love to hear from you. Or "Yes! It's possible!"
Thanks,
Bennett
I agree 1/4" is much to thin (read flexible) to be used on its own. I have used 1/4" plywood as a base for 1" foam with good results on building a small N-Scale layout. Bonding the two created a stable surface. Not as cheap, but it works.
Richard
bnsf97 My layout will be in doors
My layout will be in doors
I know this isn't what you meant, but why not use a door? Maybe slice it lengthwise?
Though HO, I'm planning my layout-in-progress to be lightweight also. If you use 1/4" ply, BRACE it. I'm using 1x4s for a reinforcing frame. If you want to go ultra-lightweight, use thick extruded foam and something thin to protect its edges.
P
I'll go along with P, go to a recycle store and find a hollow core door. With care you can cut it to the size you want. Do this by making your cut, remove the edge strip from the edge you cut off and put it in place on the new edge. If you put a layer of foam on the door so that you can have below grade scenery, you can even buy a damaged door, the foam will hide the hole.
Good luck,
Richad
If you want something cheap and strong you could buy some pallets... They come in a variety of sizes and you can usualy fing them for under $5 or free... That's what I'm useing for my HO scale southern rr layout so I don't have to worry about it being weak and flimsy... Just add legs or wall brackets then connect the pallets together if u use multiple and you're done.(some padding on the bottom in the center and corners might help it not scrape the dresser up)
Hope this helps you find a cheap solution
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
We model railroaders tend to build our benchwork to withstand a nuclear attack or a hurricane like the infamous "Ike".
You certainly can build your benchwork using 1/4 plywood, if you use multiplex plywood - that´s a supreme, multi-layer grade of plywood, and paint it. Of course, you have to take care of proper bracing and support, spanning not over 12". A word of warning - multiplex plywood is not cheap.
A quicker and cheaper way is to laminate 4" thick Styrofoam between sheets of masonite. How that is done, can be seen in this video.
The narration is in German, but just watch the film.
Bennet,
Yeah, don't skimp strength on your benchwork.
A door that's only 18" wide can be found. Most likely, a folding panel door will offer a width like that.
5' long will be a problem with most doors as they will need to be cut down; most are taller than that. You can cut them, but will then need to cut and insert anoother block of wood to close the bottom of the panel up agai.
Doors like this are pretty darn cheap.
If you need cheaper, that's not a big layout. Scrounging around might turn up plenty of wood. Advertise on Craigslist you looking for such wood. Voluneer to help clean a garage in exchange. Ask a friend or at work.
I would build a low framework out of 1x2 or 1x3 lumber, with 2 or 3 crosspieces, then cover it with plywood for what you want. Having a little space under the layout makes it much easier to run wiring down there, maybe add swicth machines.
You can purchase the wood needed for around $20, depending on how much plywood is used. You can find plywood cut to 4x4 or 2x4 sizes in most lumber yards now, so there's no need to buy a whole sheet if a smaller panel does the job.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Thanks everyone for the various insights! I have thought about a door before as it's very popular for N layouts but I always assumed they'd be fairly heavy. I'll take a look around for some around 18" and could just cut it to 5'. Thanks for the input!
Sir Madog We model railroaders tend to build our benchwork to withstand a nuclear attack or a hurricane like the infamous "Ike". You certainly can build your benchwork using 1/4 plywood, if you use multiplex plywood - that´s a supreme, multi-layer grade of plywood, and paint it. Of course, you have to take care of proper bracing and support, spanning not over 12". A word of warning - multiplex plywood is not cheap. A quicker and cheaper way is to laminate 4" thick Styrofoam between sheets of masonite. How that is done, can be seen in this video. The narration is in German, but just watch the film.
Interesting video! Thanks!