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Thin Branch Series: Benchwork part 3 - plywood subroadbed
Have you considered using Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) in place of the plywood? I see that a number of European modelers (including Pelle Søeborg) have started using MDF.
Nice! A good explanation about the concerns for “cookie cutter” benchwork. I am looking forward to trying this someday.
I was wondering, for future projects could you show other material options such as foam, or the poly material used in real estate and political signs as possible sub road beds for N scale? I am currently considering the poly-type material for my N scale Erie Dunkirk branch line. Thanks.
Hello Gary,
Cookie cutter benchwork is a great way to get smooth transitions between levels.
Best wishes on your model railroad.
David
Hello Raymond,
My own N scale layout has large sections built with a 1x2 frame, topped with 1/4" plywood, and then a layer of 2" foam insulation board. I then add the roadbed to the foam and lay the track. The frame is then supported by traditional L-girder benchwork. While all of these materials are lightweight, when used in combination, they make a very solid layout surface, and it would work for HO scale as well.
You should be able to substitute the poly sign material for the plywood and get the same results, but I would caution you to test using the material as subroadbed directly under the roadbed and track before committing to using it on a layout. I’m afraid the sign plastic would have too much give to it when leaned on.
Best wishes on your project, and thanks for watching MRVP!
David
Good series, BUT…
Going from one video to the next in sequence is not easy. After viewing a video the page shows “related videos” which are NOT necessarily part of the series, often forcing the viewer to go back to the top menu, pick “Layouts,” “Project Railroads,” then sort by the series again. Of course, then you have to figure out which one is next - not always that easy to do. Two suggestions: When the video is through, return to the specific series list of videos. Keep the related videos, but add the sorted series list as well, wherever that’s applicable. Second, add a number to each video title so we can see where in the build sequence it is. That may be as simple as adding “Video X” to the title of each one.
Also, is there a way to read “Recent Comments” back beyond the few shown on the page in that block? If so, how? I can’t find a link.
Mark B.
Thanks again David for your tips and technics. Bob Peeler
Excellent video and complement to the magazine article.
I have been trying to watch the thin branch series and I keep getting AN INVALID CONTACT BAND ACROSS THE STOPPED VIDEO What is the problem???