What have been some of the experiences with folks using the commercial modular benchmark builders? I’ve been trying to work with one of them, but never get any responses to queries.
Who are good ones, bad ones and why?
Thanks ahead of time
nik_n_dad,
Even though I don’t have any personal experience with them, I’ve heard good things about Sievers Benchwork. Course, you’ll pay for the pre-cutting, drilling, and weight of shipping…but it’s supposed to yield a very fine end product.
Tom
Two of my clients have used Sievers and had good experiences.
It’s what I used on my layout when I did my benchwork. I highly recommend them. The only thing I had to drill was a couple holes that didn’t line up correctly on each of the corner modules that I made out of four of their kits. You can see pics of the progress on my website (http://chatanuga.org/WLMR.html).
Kevin
Sievers is very good to work with. I’ve even had them build custom sized sections for me. The benchwork itself is very flexible with lot of available sizes, angles, etc. I highly recommend them.
I have heard good things about Mianne Benchwork.
Hi,
I can highly recommend Sievers. I worked with them to design and build benchwork for my basement size layout and they were wonderful. When you consider the quality of the wood itself, let alone the precision, it just makes sense.
See pictures and comments of my layout at http://www.shindledecker.com/benchworkconstruction.
Regards,
Greg
I have used Sievers and have had great success. The material is first rate and the workmanship precise. Everything fits. I would recommend them.
I looked at a few of them but decided that this is an expensive way to go about building benchwork. Since I am also not a carpenter and odn’t have any heavry woodworking tools (and if i did I woldn’t know how to use them) I decided to go with the Woodland Scenics Mod-U-Rail system for my benchwork and layout base. Not everyone likes it, and it may not be the least expensive route either. but for me it’s the best of all worlds since it’s simple and I can build it by myself.
The system is made up of three types of modules.
The straight modules measure 18 inches by 36 inches. The corner modules and square modules both measure 36 inches by 36 inches. The corner modules don’t cover the entire 3 squre feet since the have 5 sides one of which measure 25.5 inches. Take a look at the Woodland Scenics website to see it.
I am not associate in any way with Woodland Scenics.
Irv
Like the layout - but PLEASE PAINT THE WALLS!! You won’t believe the dirt & dust that will come out of the block - giving you all kinds of problems!! A drop ceiling would be a good idea before you get any scenery done. My [2c]
I used Mianne, well made and easy to put together. I found Tim responsive and extremely helpful. I’d be surprised if he didn’t respond to your inquiries. Try calling him.
Mike
As I said on my site, I can’t paint the walls or put a drop ceiling in. I rent my townhouse.
Kevin
I used the Woodland Scenics product for my N scale layout as it was much easier for me to work with at my age. Here are some photos:
I originally had planned on using Mianne, but after several failed attempts at getting questions answered or support, I checked on Sievers. Haven’t purchased yet, but they’ve been great n helping with the plan. In either case I’m glad there’s several options. “Benchwork” seems like real “work” 
I’m only 59 but I am not a carpenter nor do I have alot of woodworking equipment. That’s why I choose the Woodland Scenics Mod-U-Rail system.
Looking at the your photos it seems that you have put blue foam on top of the stands. Am I right?
Irv
Irv:
Yes I placed 2" blue styrofoam directly on the framing. I wanted a 24" width so I let the foam overhang the framing by 6". It’s very strong and does this with no problems. At the corners I wanted a greater width as well to get a larger radius for a loop so I added an outrigger to gain more width, but again had 6" overhangs all around.
I finished the edges of the foam with 4" x 1/4" painted balsa wood glued to the foam with adhesive caulk. I maybe could have installed my UP5 Digitrax plug-in panels in the balsa but was afraid it might not be strong enough so located them on the outrigger boards at each corner. My N scale layout is 24" x 15’ long with 42" x 42" tapered corner sections at each end.
Many would probably frown on my methods but I look for the easy way for me to construct things so I can get on with running trains. It’s all working out just fine for me. Here is a photo of one of the corner outriggers:
I, too, use the Woodland Scenics’ Mod-U-Rail system. The price is great, the shipping is fast, and the modules are easy to assemble. The quality is fair.
I take the modules outside and paint them a dark green. The dog was not included.
A friend of mine cuts up some old paneling to glue on the back as a backdrop.
They turn out pretty nice and are very sturdy, especially after being linked together.
I still can’t believe Tim hasn’t responded to you.
Mike
Any other ideas? I looked at the websites and they all look like they would be good but I am a trying to find something a little cheaper. I am no carpenter and really would not build a good bench to run the trains on. I wanted to start with a 9X9 bench and add to it form there. I am not sure what that would cost with Sievers I emailed them so I will find out. I am trying to look at all options. Thanks.
Is there anywhere in NE Ohio that anyone knows where the benchwork is sold or is it all online??
Larry
actually not 9x9 maybe something like 10X4