Benchwork - Roadbed

rblundon's picture

N Scale Helix Material

I am getting ready to start building my first N Scale helix.  I have designed the helix with trapezoids I will need 36 1/8" pieces per turn of the helix. The rough size of the pieces are 3 3/4" x 6 3/4".  Should I use birch plywood or Masonite?  The Masonite is cheaper, but the birch might be a little stronger.  I am planning on making slotted supports for the levels to slide on to the sides of the helix.

Thanks,

Ryan

ICRR NEW ORLEANS circa late 1940's Layout for N-Scale

Well its finally finished (mostly, Benchwork drawings would need to be done before construction begins), and here it is for your use if you want it, and would love to get your feedback. The track plan is drawn in AutoDesk 2006 for anyone that wants it, contact me at guymartin1956@gmail.com.

Bob Langer's picture

Help diagnosing ballast problem

Let me start by saying I do not like laying ballast. That being said model trains is my hobby and I am trying to get ready for a layout tour in late Oct.

I have watched videos and read a number of articles describing laying ballast. I am using the method I found here on Model Railroad Hobbyist, I believe written by Charlie Comstock.

Ho layout benchwork

Hello everyone! I have recently joined this blog because I am in the hunt for a new ho layout (benchwork only). The thing is that my dad doesn't have time to build one or have the skills to wire it etc. I hope someone can point me in the right direction to someone who does benchwork for ho layouts. I live in CT so having it be someone local would be convienent. My email is gmen4life1001@yahoo.com. Thank you

where can i buy 3" styrofoam?

I was  watching a video about installing a walthers 130' tuntable i bought they said to use 3" styrofoam  because the pit on the turntable is 2 5/8" deep.

                                                    thanks,bill

jmt99atsf's picture

Using Spline Roadbed in Helix - Part 4A - Cutting the Strips for Laminating

Last month I described in words the laminating process.  I took a few pictures the other day when I was cutting up two sheets of masonite hardboard into strips for the spline helix that I am building.  This is my method and there may be others but this is how I do it. Updated 6 Sep with additional pictures.

Buildings arrive on the Gila Springs & Mesquite

 

The La Grange engine service tracks and caboose track are starting to get some use.

 

View of La Grange with Tortilla Flats and Gila Springs in the back ground.

 

The other end of the La Grange Industrial Park yard.

rblundon's picture

Foam Subroadbed for N Scale

Looking for some advise on benchwork/subroadbed.  I'm planning on an 18" deep N Scale shelf style around the walls layout.  If I were doing HO, it would be easy, 1/2" plywood with 1/2" hoamsote.  For N Scale, I think that foam is more than adequate.  I plan on having brackets every 16" for the foam to rest on.  Clearance (thinkness) is an issue as staging will be under the main layout.  Here are the options I think I have.

jmt99atsf's picture

Using Spline Roadbed in Helix - Part 4 - Progress Update

Since my last post, I've had an issue with the min-split HVAC not cooling properly over the 12 straight days of 100+ degrees.  I had to rearrange the room to give the technicians full access to the inside unit of the mini-split.  Now the helix is temporarily in the middle of the room which does make it much easier to work on and test.  Although, I did try to solder one of my fingers to the track this past week. Added info & pics on 31 August below.

MikeM's picture

Concealing large windows while leaving them operational and accessible

My layout room is approximately 17' square with 2 large windows on opposite walls I'm trying to figure out how to deal with.  The track plan calls for 2 shelves circling the room's perimeter, which means crossing these windows at two different levels.  I'm wracking my brain trying to think of a way to conceal the windows behind a backdrop (one combined piece or split per level or...?) yet make it possible to occasionally access and open the windows for ventilation (during activities that generate fumes of some kind [airbrushing, hot-wire foam cutting, etc.]).&nb


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