Benchwork and roadbed

Foundation for urban scenery: cork and/or styrene?

Hi all,

I am close to starting the work on the roadbed on my layout. Based on the prototype (Pasadena), the majority of it has the mainline on the same level as the surrounding terrain (ie roadbed / terrain on the same level) while in small parts the track is paved  and the railhead is flush with the terrain (depot, crossings etc). Based on photos, even the sidings on the main depot area are on the same level as the mainline (while that is not the case in other industrial and/or passing sidings, in different areas of the layout)

F-Type wall mounting for Shelf Layout Benchwork - Your advice?

Hi Everyone

To support the Kids and the teacher in our local primary school I am looking for advice how to build fast and cheap F-Type wall mounts for a modular shelf layout.

F-Type means - Two shelf for the modular layout and space below for another layout (Gauge 1) running on a podest on the floor. Upper shelf is wider than lower shelf to assure sight to the floor.

We have some "restrictions":

shadowbeast's picture

Benchwork builders

Is there anyone in Queensland who builds benchwork for sale? Modular Train Tables appears to be out of business.

Long Haired David's picture

Shelf placement above the railroad for storage and LED lighting

Hi everyone.

I only have a centre light in my hobby room and am running out of display space for my scale plastic model aircraft and cars (see my modelling blog). I am planning to put up a run of 10" deep shelving above the railroad all the way around and use the LED strips recently advised in other posts. 

Can I get suggestions for the ideal height above the railroad both for access and for decent light distribution.

And we have liftoff!

Prep work is done. Today the first pieces of cork roadbed were laid down.

Now I have a question. I have always had problems in matching up cork at turnout locations. So does anyone have any tricks, secrets, ideas to make it easier?

Questions: Plywood Benchwork for TOMA modules

Hi all,

I am close to beginning tearing down my current layout and starting out the new one using the TOMA concept. Following good advice i got from other threads, i decided on using a kreg jig and 3/4" plywood strips for the open-grid benchwork. I ll build 7 modules (which will end up being key modules in my future layout / home ).

Plexi Fascia

I wanted to go with Plexi Fascia Board around the layout to keep derailments from hitting the floor, keep my 2 year old's hands away from anything breakable, etc. Does anyone know where I can get precut plexi? I have seen 10 inch tall x 6ft on layouts online and in tech booths at churches. I didn't want to have to get a 8ft x 4ft sheet and cut it myself if possible.

Here are examples  I have found online:

Bench work with wiring as integral construction

I know my title is kind of vague but I'm not sure how to say what I'm intending.  Recently some have been building benchwork so that you can access the wiring in the front roughly at benchwork top height.  In other words no more bending down to solder a million feeders. If any of you have done this, I'd love to see a picture of your work.

GregW66's picture

Weird question about Masonite

I am going to build two 2x6 foot TOMA modules. I am inspired by Joe's September Publisher's Musings where he showed this:

What is the proper access aisle width for a wrap around layout?

I am designing a 10' x 12' N scale "wrap around" layout that will be built in my garage.  I am planning on having an access aisle that opens to an interior area about 6' wide (benchwork will vary from 30" - 48" wide).  The layout is in a "C" shape, with access on the 10' wide end.

I am struggling with how wide to allow for the access?  24 inches?  36 inches?  22 inches?


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