Hi all,
I wasn’t in time for weekend photo fun so I thought I’d share some of the progress I’ve been making on my N scale layout here. The main part of the benchwork is done. It is has a 1x4 frame with 1x3 lacing, and 2x3 legs with 1x2 bracing. All this is topped with 1/4" plywood (I know 1/4" isn’t the best choice, but I have my reasons). The legs are all removable so the layout can be moved from the trainroom.
And here is the track plan
All bare wood will be covered by 1/2" foam board, accept for the staging area. This week I will finish the backdrop supports and order vinyl flashing from Home Depot for the backdrop. Then (hopefully) I will install and paint the backdrop. I will try to update this thread with pics as I move along.
(keep in mind that I rarely work with wood and its a miracle things look as good as they do. So if you see anything that’s awful looking, well, now you know why.[:D])
Just curious, but why did you recess the plywood panels? If you are going to put foam on top, why not just put the plywood on top of the 1x4 framework?
The wood on top will be used as a track for the backdrop supports. A bunch of 1x2 supports will be placed in between those parallel boards on the top of the benchwork.
I did this for two reasons. (1) to protect the corners of the foam and (2) to give the layout a finished look until I get the fascia up. 1/2" foam will rest on of the plywood in between the 1x4s. The top of the foam will be even with the top of the 1x4s. Its probably a lot more trouble than its worth but it looks nice (I think)
First class benchwork carpentry. Instead of the cleats atop the deck, I might have used a holesaw and run the backdrop supports through the benchwork, but it’s a tossup in effectiveness and the work required.
Many overlook the ridigity even thin plywood gives a structure, your looks strong and light.
I’d probably put an extra diagonal brace on each leg, at 90 degrees to the ones already in place. One kick could equal disaster the way it sits now.
Overall, excellent work, not at all what I’d expect from a “beginning carpenter”.
Most excellent! I always liked that trackplan. My only objection was in the curves. I imagine you can open them up past 9 3/4" and 11" if you increase the table size slightly.
Thanks for the comments.
Yes the dotted line does represent a tunnel. The mountains will be made out of foam board and I will make some them removable. (I’m not quite sure how, but I’ll figure something out.)
Since the layout will have tall mountains around the whole backdrop I’m not too concerned about the cleats sticking out of the scenery and it seemed easier to put them on top anyway. I agree that the legs need to be braced more, are you suggesting something like this?
I thought the same thing about the curves so I increased the radius along with the table size. On the main I went with a minimum 15" radius and #7 turnouts. For the branch line I went with a 12.5" minimum and #7 turnouts. I used #5 turnouts for yards and sidings.
Yes only because the atlas under-table switch machines I will use can only be 1" below the track. This is also the reason for the 1/4" plywood
Ah Yes the App Central, The layout that caused me to convert from HO to N. I was temped to build it Becuase it would Fit into my shed and I could still get around it. But I decided with around the walls for my layout. I wish my Benchwork looked like yours!
LOL! thanks for the complement! Actually this plan greatly influenced my decision to switch from HO to N too. Also this plan modeled my favorite railroad, location, and period, plus it featured unit coal trains, so I kind of had to give it a try.
Looking at the track plan, I see one thing that I would change. The two crossovers on either side of the passenger station are opposite from what I would do. I would switch them around so that a train can go around a another train stopped at the passenger station. The way it is right now you cant. Double crossovers might be considered.
