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The Roundhouse, Episode 2
My thought on benchwork is it has to be strong enough to not flex and change from the changes in temperature in the layout room. But that also has its pros and cons. Belonging to a modular club, our benchwork has to take a fare amount of abuse and be able to be carried from the clubhouse to the trailer into the show and set up, and then transported back to base. There have been clubs my club has run with that have modules that a train cannot be kept together on without a pusher on the back to hold the whole thing together as the train goes over bumps and dips that cause the couplers to separate. I know this because there were guys there that had their cars perfectly tuned up and ready to roll and they were having problems. Those modules were made out of 3/4 plywood and 2x4s and were warped to no end. Now I’ve seen modules made out of 3/4 birch plywood for the end plates and 1/2 birch for the sides and cross members that are about 13 years old and never gave a problem. Everything is still square, perpendicular and essentially perfect for running the modules only weight about 25-30 lbs depending on scenery.
In my view, it really depends on where the layout is and what it’s doing. Light trains can get away with 1/4 ply subroadbed and lighter legs if the layout is not going to have humidity changes. Big heavy steam, long coal drags, and throw in changes in humidity all over the place, maybe some heavier benchwork and legs would be an idea.
In all reality, I am guilty over-building things. I’d rather have trouble taking something apart than having issues with it because I built something lighter and cheaper.
I really like this stuff! It’s like shooting the s**t with the guys at the club.
Enjoying the series “Roundhouse” but would like to know, when I am finished watching Episode 2 the related videos that show up below aren’t for the series. There are 5 episodes produced but the only one shown in the queue is episode 1. I entered the Roundhouse through the to header bar so I was looking to follow the set.
Bench work, to be really well built, has to be built like well made furniture. Not heavy but rather well joined. L girder construction is strong and light weight but only if it is put together square. plum and level. If your are going to move the construction from place to place it needs extra support in the corners, i.e. corner blocks. The span of the lumber can not exceed lumber span charts. And legs need to be properly braced. With 1x material it is usually kiln dried and not as subject to humidity as with 2x4’s from the home centers that is shipped wet and if not cured will twist and warp. 1/4 inch plywood, with A or AB grade surface, can be used for sub road bed if it properly glued and nailed to the frame for your non moving frames. If building mobile frames use no less than 1/2 ply with no gapes between layers. More expensive up front but cheaper in the long run.
Using ply for framing is also fine if properly constructed because the glue used to build the ply is waterproof. I would want very sharp saw blades and backups in cutting the ply as it tends to splinter along the edges if the blades are the least bit dull.
The fastest way to construct your frame work is to do it square, plum and level the first time.
Measure twice and cut once is the old rule of thumb that still applies today.
Another fine Round table/Roundhouse!
One consideration to me with the bench work of layouts is future relocation’s or job related moves. As a Minister I have lived in 4 states, MN, FL, IA and now IL and multiple addresses in most states over the last 30 years. I need sturdy yet lightweight bench work and a combination “Modular”, “L Girder” type has always fit the bill.
Thanks!
good discussion - I look forward to RC control although I’ve learned how to install, program and run sound decoder equipped locomotives. It does make me nervous, but having installed several sound decoders certainly builds confidence. It doesn’t hurt that I have a electronics background, so I could see how it might intimidate many modelers who don’t have that background.
You should start the clock after Hal has asked the question and the tim eneeds to be increased as they can’t thoroughly discuss the questions and they miss many many valid points on each argument.