Benchwork and roadbed
World's Lightest Helix?
This fellow, Joey_Ricard , who built the gatorboard helix and documented some of it here,...
https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/36348
...is he still contributing to this forum? ...or did he disappear after his subject thread got locked??
Input requested from builders of foam board benchwork
.JPG)
I am examining the use of foam board in benchwork. This module is nominally 24” x 72” x 5” with a 72” center span and 24” cross members on 18” centers.
The boards are 2 x 3/16” laminated with Gorilla Wood glue (because that’s what I have).
Top will be 3 x 3/16” foam board.
Equipment is Bachmann On30.
Mother of Invention
They (who?) say that necessity is the mother of invention. I live out in the country and often don't see anyone for 3 or 4 days at a time. So, in building my layout, and being a single guy, I have become very innovative in moving sheets of 4 x 8 foot, 3/4 inch plywood and handling 16 feet long 2 x 6 ceiling joists by myself. I am not complaining here, just saying at age 73 I have to use my good common sense and work hard to make things happen. I do most everything by myself.
Warped Workbench
A query for the woodworkers among us. My Father in Law built a rolling workbench for my garage. He used various width 2" lumber for the benchtop. Everything was nice and level for the first 24 hours then, 'SPROING'. The top warped the frame and it's all screwy. It caught him by surprise because he thought the top 2x lumber was well seasoned.
Joints in Fascia
I use 1/8 in hardboard for my fascia. I use plastic trim pieces designed for joining paneling or shower enclosure material to join the fascia pieces. That covers the joint to provide a finished look.
How one model railroader installs fascia panels (one was professional)
Make A Better Looking Model Railroad with Fascia Panels
Today we are installing fascia panels on my model railroad layout! Fascia Panels are a great way to give your model train layout a cleaner and more finished look!
Something I have done that worked for me!
This is not a world shaking discovery. Just something I tried and have been satisfied it works - at least for me.
Portable Benchwork: How Heavy Is Too Heavy?
I am in the midst of building my portable layout benchwork. The size of the layout is approximately 3'x5'. I've opted to use 1x3 Poplar for the frame members, and 1/4" Maple Plywood for the table top. I estimate that as is, this combination weighs about 20 lbs. Ideally, I would carry the layout by itself, but if it requires two people, that's okay.
Is that too heavy?
What is a reasonable weight limit for a small, portable railroad?
I appreciate any suggestions you all have. Thank you.
J. M.
Foam "ballast"
Any suggestions for marking on black foam roadbed? I've tried colored marks and the markings don't show up.I have had a little success with a white paint pen but it doesn't really stand out. Florescent marks just disappear on the foam.
Build a T-Trak Module! Easy N Scale Model Train Module
Building a model railroad module! Specifically a T-Trak Module. T-Trak is a modular standard based around kato unitrack. It's a simple module to build too!
>> Posts index
Navigation
Journals/Blogs
Recent Blog posts: