Hollow-core doors, $19.99 each from Home Depot, made benchwork construction a breeze. I fastened the doors to a 1" pine ledgerboard along the walls and used knee braces for support. I designed my benchwork to be portable in case we ever have to move. The layout sections are simply lag-bolted together as shown in the photo.
The resulting benchwork is quite rigid and easily supports my body weight.
I used green foamboard insulation from Lowe's as a scenery base. I initially used three inches of foamboard, which resulted in a track height of 53" off the floor. Upon placing temporary track and structure mock-ups, I found that 53" was a tad too low for my taste. I added another 2" layer of foam to bring the benchwork height to 55". I'm 5' 10" and 55" is about armpit height. I tested operations again before permanently attaching the additional foam layer, just to make sure that I could manually uncouple cars anywhere on the layout. The resulting 5" foam base layer allows for plenty of scenery below track level.
I used a hand saw rather than a utility knife for cutting foam, cleaning up the edges with a drywall sanding block.
PL300 is a great adhesive for attaching foam.
Jack,
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat space for a layout. I like a well done, tidy environment to work in. I think it enhances the overall quality of modeling. As for the kayaking, you're a braver man than I am Gundha Din.
Hi, I like what you're doing. If you dont mind me asking, what size is your layout?
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