Benchwork and roadbed

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Do I cut them now, or later?

Thu, 2014-11-06 14:31 — DKRickman

I need some advice, folks. I'm about to install four strips of LED lights on my new layout. Three of them can be installed in a single piece, and the fourth is going to be pieced together out of the leftover pieces. The layout they are going on is built in two pieces, with the idea of eventually (some time in the next 5 years, hopefully) moving into a new home, and taking the layout with us.

If you're going to use hollow core doors for a layout..

Wed, 2014-11-05 16:03 — DKRickman

..Use new ones!

Or, if not new, then at least get some good quality used ones in the right size.

Foam or Homasote

Wed, 2014-10-29 10:59 — Bing

I am going to start on my staging area soon. It is in another room separate from the layout. What should I use for the base, foam such as the rest of the layout or should I use plywood topped with Homasote? I would not think noise in another room would be a bother or would it? Plywood w/Homasote, should I use cork on save the expense for the layout proper ? I feel lucky that the real estate owner, a.k.a. wife and CEO, granted me the space. Your opinions please.

11 comments

Distance of platform from railhead?

Wed, 2014-10-22 13:33 — Bing

How far from the edge of an elevated passenger platform to the outer edge of the closest rail ? I need to know so I can space my 1:1 track properly on the outside of my train building. CL line of tracks would also do. Thanks!

Clear plexiglass edging protection

Tue, 2014-10-21 11:28 — JKramer328

Ever wonder how to stop those sharp edges on clear Plexiglas edging on model railroad layouts? Try clear car door edging strips available at automotive departments/stores in your area.

5 comments

Foamcore framed T-Trak module

Mon, 2014-10-20 17:44 — barr_ceo

I'm in the process of planning the framework for a T-Trak interchange module. Track plan can be seen in the post below. Here's the question:

How tightly can Foamcore be bent?

I have three options I'm considering:

1) Plain rectangular module - Takes of a lot of extra real estate, but definitely the simplest build.

2) Cut corners - the "empty" corners of the module cut off to give an angled "near diamond" shape to the module. Doesn't require bending, but also doesn't give a smoothly flowing shape.

Opinions on sheet cork

Mon, 2014-10-20 10:41 — RSeiler

Benchwork and roadbed

I'm thinking of getting some "sheet gasketing" cork. It comes in rolls of whatever length you want, 36" or 48" wide, and different thicknesses. I was considering getting a roll of 3/16" thick cork to use in yard areas and heavy industrial areas. Any opinions or experiences? I will likely be putting it on top of foam insulation, although I am still considering going directly over the 3/4" plywood in some spots, or maybe on top of some rubber flooring material over the plywood.

TOM MILLER'S LAYOUT

Thu, 2014-10-16 09:27 — markpaulson

When I attended the National Narrow Gauge Convention in Kansas City in September, I met Joel Bragdon and purchased a copy of a video featuring the construction of Tom Miller's layout. In the video he demonstrates a small adjustable right angle brace that he used under his track bed. I have tried to find a contact e-mail for Tom, but have been unsuccessful. In the process I saw that he was (or has) moved.

Benchwork; a bit of a problem, after some advice

Tue, 2014-10-14 18:24 — tbdanny

Hi all,

I've got a bit of an issue with my benchwork, and would like to get some thoughts on the matter.

When I laid the track for my main (stub ended) yard, about a year ago, the track and benchwork were level. But, as I discovered when I installed the fascia last weekend, the frame on which the rest of the benchwork rests has developed a sag. As a result of this, freight cars parked in the yard sidings roll towards the turnouts, and end up fouling the clearance points.