What do you guys think of this benchwork construction method?
In the middle of the room: This is a free standing benchwork with 2 levels. You can run trains on both sides because there are two sides with 2 backdrops. Each side is 2 feet deep.
Against the wall: The construction can be changed if I want to have it against the wall like this (look at upper level only).
But I have no legs on it, please tell me how you would add legs to this construction.
I’m not sure about the dimensions, it’s just a basic idea.
Without studs/ framework continuing up to the ceiling, I don’t see how this could be very stable. Even if it were overbuilt and had feet, one good bump would send trains off the tracks. Someone on the forum has posted pics of their benchwork that is similar, but the framework does run floor to ceiling. Just can’t remember who.
Bob K.
There is a construction on page 67 of ‘How to build model railroad benchwork’ that I took these ideas from and modified it a little. That construction does not continuing up to the ceiling as far as I can see. I can’t publi***hat picture here so please look at that page.
The legs would be built by making the lowest section to be open-frame construction–like a typical table top.
You could use this against the wall like you say, providing you have a way to attach it to the wall. The cross members that extend out from the wall would have to be firmly bolted as they don’t have the other side for a counter-balance.
Well, if I attach the benchwork to the walls, there will be a lot of damage. And because the layout room it’s pretty big I’m afraid it will cost me a lot to fix it. But I can be wrong. I also don’t know what they will do if I start attach lots of things to the walls. Maybe they just tell me to move, and that is not good [:(]
Nothing wrong with free standing so long as you make it stable, preferably dificult to knock out of place and make the links between boards strong enough so that if one gets knocked they all help retain its position or move together and you don’t rip the joint between the boards… assumijng that as this place would appear to be leased you will want to be able to take the layout apart as segments to move it if the lease ends and you have to move out.
Here is a little update. I have attached legs to the construction. The legs are 4 feet wide (120 cm) and made of 2" x 2".
Peninsula version:
Against the wall version:
I also wonder, on page 67 of ‘How to build model railroad benchwork, second edition’ there is a picture of a multi level benchwork, fig. 8-14. I don’t understand how to attach the left pilaster. If you look at the picture there is not much that holds the pilaster in place. The right pilaster is attached in a totally different way.
So please, if you have this book, look at the picture and tell me what you think.
I recall seeing an article in an old edition of MR where the modeller made an island for a bi-level layout with legs that crossed each other in an X. He adjusted the point at which the legs crossed so as to provide maximum depth for the lower level. Apparently he got the inspiration after looking at his picnic table. Maybe someone knows which edition of MR that was in.
