I’m planning a N-scale layout. I’m wondering what is the cheapest and fastest way to make a simple bench work step up. My current plan is to use, wood support beams, coming out from studs on the wall. Maybe plan a thin wood board over that. Then lay straform over it. However im not sure if thats the best apparoch to building the layout. Whats would be thecheapest way to put up bench work? -Andrew
It depends…
Size, freestanding or against mounted to the wall, do you want a flat surface or an open frame?
Linn Westcott’s ‘How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork’ book shows several methods. They are fairly inexpensive, and pretty fast, once you understand what you are doing.
Remember the benchwork has to be sound to hold everything up, so don’t emphasize ‘cheap’ too much.
The N Scale crowd seems to love the Hollow Core door as a preferred layout base. Lots of sizes to pick from.
I looked at a lot of options when I was thinking of this.
I decided to do a modified NTRAK benchwork. So I used 1x4s, 1x2s, and 3/8" plywood from home depot.
I got a craftsman mitre saw, and off I go.
I’m in a similar situation. I’m about to start my new N scale layout patterned after Dave Barrow’s HO Cat Mountain and Santa Fe which is a linear around-the-wall layout. I have found the book entitled, “Basic Model Railroad Benchwork - The Complete Photo Guide” by Jeff Wilson very useful. This is one of the Model Railroader books and contains good info on more modern benchwork materials, eg., extruded foam and shelf bracket supports for benchwork attached to walls, etc… Remember, the benchwork is very important to having a solid trouble-free layout, so don’t skimp on the materials and the methods used to build it. Better to over-build it than to have problems later with the operation because of weak or wobbly benchwork.
Bob