Not to prolong a point, but when I score one side of the extruded foam, then snap it, I end up with less mess than the sawdust involved in cutting plywood.
As you and others have said, what works for you …
Well OK, but I and I"M sure others have never needed to use the layout as scaffolding.
Perhaps thouse who do should issue a disclamer stating such, I think that would help newbes not to over think, over build, and overspend,on benchwork thats not normally needed.
I guess that depends a lot on the layout design. If you are happy with 2’ deep shelf layout concepts, then it is very likely you will not need benchwork as strong as mine.
But I like deep scenery, my new layout will be around the walls of my basement with two peninsulas out into the space. The benchwork along the walls will mostly be between 3 and 4 feet deep. The peninsulas will be 8’ wide to accommodate the 40" radius and larger curves on the double track mainline.
There will be access hatches in places, but climbing/leaning on benchwork will be necessary from time to time.
Trackwork will mostly be within 24 to 30 inches from the layout front edge, but scenery construction will require that extra reach in places.
One section will have a 20’ long, eight track freight yard, behind that the double track mainline, behind that a passenger terminal with 4 tracks - 14 tracks requires a minimum depth of 28", without even allowing for passenger platforms or other separating features. Behind the passenger tracks will be a city scene…the 48" depth barely works…
I’m sure even a “newby” can figure out what his situation might require…
Sheldon
I use 3/4 plywood for my N scale roadbed
The layout itself is open grid construction with 3/4 plywood bolted to an iron frame; the layout is divided in numerous modules each has his own iron frame.
This was done to move if necessary the layout.
Yes heavy, but this is a permanent layout, but with two friends we have move all the modules quiet easily and put them in a container for my move in Canada.
Welcome Marc!
What part of the Great White North are you moving to? Train Guys are always welcome.[(-D] If you end up on the West Coast and need help putting the layout back together let me know.[C):-)]
But thats my point,they don,t there for they ask. I feel we should be stating the bare, minimal facts,and not over loading them with info they don’t need,didn’t ask for. What you plan on doing makes perfect sence,if he [the OP] voiced an interest in a layout such as you plan, he didn’t.
Kinda like telling me how to build a clock,and where to get the parts,because I asked for the time of day. just MO.
But the OP says his layout plan is 8’ x 6-1/2’ ? Sounds like an island layout, with pretty deep reach in distances to me? Short of seeing a diagram to the contrary?
Did I miss something?
Sheldon
Well actually, he kinda did. He said his dimensions were 8ʻ x 6 1/2ʻ, which very well might result in a layout that gets climbed on top of. It’ll at least get leaned on pretty firmly.
Hello All,
I’ll throw the proverbial “spanner in the works”…
Many of the responses have been focused on bench work.
You have not specified what method of support you are using.
To really answer your question of thickness of plywood sub roadbed that information would be helpful.
For your elevations are you planning on using the cookie cutter method or are you planning on adding risers on top of the sub roadbed?
Sharing these answers will help folks on this forum better address your specific issues.
Hope this helps.
Well OK, I do remember reading that early on. I would still use 3/4" plywood.
Sheldon
OK, my Home Depot does not carry the 2" 4ʻx8ʻ extruded blue/pink foamboard. Who else carries this?
And one last question… Elmerʻs Yellow or White Wood Glue? For benchwork? For laying down cork roadbed?
Thanks.
Always Elmer’s Carpenter’s glue for frame work!
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
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Drat! It is only available in-store, and not sold in South Florida.
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-Kevin
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Menard’s in Indiana has it.
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I brought back a whole truck full of two inch foam and Homasote to Florida last year.
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-Kevin
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Titebond…
And Homabed/Cascade Rail Supply not cork.
https://cascaderailsupply.com/
And nail it down with a brad nailer…to the 3/4" plywood.
Sheldon
Sheldon’s not the only modeller climbing on his layout. I spent some time lounging on the upper level at the far end of this aisle…
I needed to paint the normally unseen back side of the rails on a wide curve up there, just in case I one day decide to place a camera, facing the aisle, for a photo or two.
Construction is 5/8" plywood atop a grid of 1"x2" and 1"x4". The layout there is 38" deep, and I weigh nowhere near 200lbs.
Wayne
I, II or III?
Well, III of course.
Sheldon