Hello,
I have recently built a 4’ x 8’ train layout using plans from “Model Trains Step by Step”. The table is made of 1/4" plywood with all framing made from 1/2" x 4" plywood strips. My problem is, the layout seems to have a lot of flex, if I lift one end, it is easy to twist the layout several inches. Since I was hoping to add a plaster mountain at one end, it seems that moving the layout would result in too much flexing and would crack. Is this true or am I being overly cautious? Is there a way to make the layout more stable?
Thanks for any help
the 1/4 plywood is way too flexible…maybe before you get too far, take it up and put in at least 1/2" plywood…I use 3/4"…it’s really heavy and combersome to use but it’s sturdy as all get out…the legs should be solid 1" x 4"'s…plywood legs are too flimsy and can snap in half if put in a bind…chuck
I remember a club in California that had 1" x 1/8" wood strips laminated together for their entire roadway base. So, turned on edge the strips were glued together becoming a 1" thick base that was so strong you could actually stand on without it flexing. It took 5 years of work before the first train ran.
Maybe something in between would work better than 1/4 inch plywood.
dsmith,
How are the plywood frames oriented in relation to the table top? Are they on edge, with the 1/2" wide surface against the table? Are they glued to the table? How many cross braces do you have and how much spacing is between them? If the frame is built properly, the 1/4" top will be stiff enough. If your plywood is flat against the table, that’s a different story…give me more information and I’ll see if I can suggest a solution to avoid destroying what you already have built.
Don Z.
Plywood sheating < 1/2’’ was never meant to handle any sort of load, it is used as a sustrate for flooring and tile work. You need to use dimensional lumber for your framework as well as your legs. My layout tables are framed with 1" x 4" pine and has stretchers every 16" The surface is 1/4" luan plywood with two layers of 1" foam insulation board on top. In addition I also use 2 x 3s for legs. Also be sure to use gussets to add stregnth, this reduces lateral sway immenesly.
My current project layout was built with 1" x4" and in seems to be faily stable but my next layout will be built with a 2" x4" structure. The larger lumber allows for greater spans with much less movement/ deformation. I will also use some house framing fittings to eliminate the movement of the layout. As it is currently planned the layout will not attach or run along a wall so the movement is a real issue for me.