Benchwork - Roadbed

railandsail's picture

Sandwich Constructed Subroadbed Panels, Plywood Sheet Alternative

Sandwich Construction

I come from the boat industry where we utilized 'sandwich core construction' (fiberglass skins and foam/honeycomb) type constructions quite often to get stiff, lightweight skins/panels.

I was in a Lowes store yesterday just taking a quick look at plywood qualities and prices. Of course the cabinet grade plywoods looked the best, but were not very cheap.

Equivalence between plywood and dimensional lumber

As I get ready to build the sectional benchwork of the layout, I am wondering what the equivalence is between plywood and dimensional lumber.  Typical L-girder construction uses 1x3 or 1x4 dimensional lumber (clear pine or poplar) which is actually 3/4 x 21/2 or 31/2.  I am using nominal 3/4in (23/32) 7 ply plywood acquired on sale at a big box store. 
Would a 3 inch strip be equivalent to a 1x4 for the 8ft dimension of a 2x8ft top? 
(note: I plan on wood for cross members to allow for edge screws.

TOMA approach for getting from Future layout to Present.

Hi all,

I have almost finished designing my future layout destined for a permanent future house (when the time comes...), that fits the prototype/locale i like.

Access options on a very deep urban scene.

Hi all,

I am working on a concept layout that involves a very deep urban scene at some point and i would very much appreciate some input based on similar experiences in dealing with accessibility to parts of such scenes. Main Text and plans on the next post.

Many thanks in advance for your replies!

Yannis

 

andy.dorsch's picture

Mascoutin Valley Railroad - Wax my legs?

Hey everbody!

Last time I left you we made 12 feet of benchwork for my free mo yard but the Modutrak legs I decided to use didn't work too great.  Loads of people came to my aid and offered a bunch of great suggestions!  Thank you!  So I made a video demonstrating what methods I tried and what ones worked best. 

Take a look at this video talking about my legs...uh my Modutrak Legs.

Setting Goals - 21 Weeks / Week 3

Week 2 - 20 weeks remaining

Week 3 - Finishing trackwork

Week 4 - Continue working on Week 3 stuff (eat too much and cycle while the sun is shining!)

Building model trains is, and has been, a lifelong passion.

By definition my hobby is a pastime and not done for income or to please anyone other than myself. That sounds selfish and self centered but really true.

On the other hand I really love to share my efforts with those who understand.  This forum has been that community.

Benchwork Height

I am considering 50" for the height of the benchwork for my N-scale layout. 

I have read much about how benchwork height is a very personal and variable thing.  So with that in mind, rather than ask what is the best height for benchwork, the more interesting question is what is the height of your benchwork? 

Why did you choose that height? 

Any regrets about your choice?

andy.dorsch's picture

Mascoutin Valley Railroad - Crazy Legs

I've been doing some construction on the Yard.  I've been using the Free Mo module standards and Modutrak legs standards to base my construction off of.  I got the module frames together but the legs aren't fitting in the pockets without some level of "persuasion."  I posted a video show what I've gotten done and asking the viewer for some tips or tricks to get the legs to slide a bit better.

The less invasive the suggestion the better! 

Gorilla Glue and Extruded foam subterrain

I'm going to start gluing my extruded foam to my benchwork but I had a question. I was reading about using Gorilla Glue and I recall something about spraying the foam (or was it the glue) with water before gluing in place. I can't recall what was the best process to get the glue to work with the foam. 

 

Any links to articles about this or information on how you did it would be great.

Thank you.

Dave


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