My last layout was built using 2X4s and 2X4 L-girders. You could ram into it and jump on it and it wouldn’t budge. Most people don’t use lumber that thick and don’t plan on jumping on their layout.
However, it is nice when someone leans on it and it doesn’t move.
Current layout uses closet maid brackets for around the wall shelving. You can walk on it but not jump up and down on it.
Yes Dave, my benchwork could stand up to the jump test, but I would rather not try it.[;)]
I have to agree with Big Boy [:D], so is mine and I would perfer you not to jump on it [:0].
The main reason I went with 2 x 4 is cost. Sometimes it cost less for 2" x 4" than 2 x 2 that are straight or 1 x 4. I also use 3/4 plywood on the top because it doesn’t have much warping in it. [^]
Tom,
Yes, why fudge on lumber when you can build a sturdier layout. The question I asked, I have to admit, sounds ridiculous, but it really is not.
I’ve been to places where the layout sways if you lean on it. Not that you are supposed to lean on it, mind you, but when you are cleaning track or reaching for something, it’s nice to know that the little people won’t experience an earthquake-----unless of course, you are modeling California and want to be prototypical!
Hee, hee. My 'benchwork is concrete and 4 ft of rock filling. Yep, you can jump up and down on it. But you bring up a good point, why scrimp on something that is the core of your layout?
YES GUYS mine is made out of 2x4s too.
Covered the top with HOMESOTE works great. I have it 34 inches off the floor. If I were to do it again I would only have it about 20 inches the reason is I have to either stand or watch the whole layout from the steps. I told my brother to make his smaller and now you could sit on the couch and look down at the whole thing.
laz57
Got mine on the floor and the last time I checked I could jump up and down on it without crashing through and into the bedroom! [:)]
OK, Dave, I’ll test your benchwork for you. If it survives my 358 lbs jumping up and down on it it’ll survive the Second Coming, Want me to try it? Odd-d
OK, I think I win. Club layout is 2 x 4 on two foot centers both north south and east west covered with 3/4 inch plywood and four inch squar post legs at every 2 x 4 intersection. I believe you could drive a 12 inch to the foot scale car on it with no problems. It dosen’t move.
Sorry awwjr2000, but I think I got you beat. MIne has 2x4 legs, 2x6 joist for the top and 3/4" bc plywood for the top. I built it this way becaues it sits on wheels so I could pull it out from the wall to get to the back side.
my last lay out I used 2/10 for the support of the pond
I think you could on my layout, but, like Big Boy and Spanky have said, I’d rather not try it.
I bet everyone was waiting for me to “weigh-in” on this subject. [:D]
Has anyone ever noticed that we don’t use solid rectangular steel beams for bridges? (Concrete beams are a different matter because they are not a homogeneous material.) There is a reason.
In the photo above, the darker stained boards are for aesthetics pruposes and do not contribute significantly to the support of the table. Since the unsupported lenghth of the top flange of the L-Girder is about 16", the localized buckling problem is negated. [:D] (I just knew you all wanted to know that!)
Phase II Benchwork
i walk on my indoor railway every time i drive it. then i jump down. so yes i do walk on my rail road.
allot
Nope, not mine.
My benchwork is 1 x 4’s. with 2 x 3 legs. Top is 2" styrafoam. Can’t jump on it, but it supports the layout just fine, and me and my two boys can move it in seconds. I went this route because I COULDN’T WAIT UNTIL I FINISHED THE BASEMENT TO RUN TRAINS!
Absolutely! Mine’s on the ground! I hope there isn’t any quicksand in my apartment!!!
underworld
[swg][swg][swg][swg][swg]
Odd-d
Not the present shelf layout but mylast one featured on CTT, I routinely walked on to rerail a car (hint about my trackwork). I walked on my current layout and actually could jump on it, only it would shake off all of the southwest desert dirt and create a dust storm, complete with rolled up balls of flying sagebrush.
No, Nor was it designed to be walked on. I planned on running trains not gymnastics.But don’t let me stop someone from building whatever they like. Thats what it’s all about, Right? Use steel I beams and reinforced concrete if it makes you happy!!!
Tim