where can i find a book on benchwork?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am laid up with a bum knee and I would like to research benchwork. Where can I start?[?]

2

I’m pretty sure that Kalmbach has published a book on benchwork.

3

Thanks EL PARRo[:)]

4

This page http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/model-railroading-books-track-plans-and-layout-planning.html has MR’s two books. Also, the NMRA’s site www.nmra.org has a beginner’s page with some benchwork discussion. Most of the getting started books have a section on benchwork section also.
Enjoy
Paul

5

go with the L girder!..It’s the best way…grid is fine too but it’s harder to build

6

Get five “experts” on model railroading together and you will have more than five different opinions on what is the “best” bench work concept.

The correct answer is what ever works for you, not some one else.

7

Don’t forget David Barrow’s “domino” benchwork – standard sized segments that can be built before you plan the layout, then moved around like chess pieces. It might involve more lumber and screws than other methods, and it is a flat topped layout which many do not care for, but it has some real advantages in planning and (most important to Barrow himself) CHANGING the layout. I build my dominos to a standard 2 ft by 4 ft size.
For one of the MR project layouts Jim Hediger devised benchwork build entirely out of plywood – including the legs (an L shape involving two pieces). I have built two such tables and they are surprisingly sturdy.
“Plug” – if you attend this weekend’s NMRA Midwest Regional Convention in Milwaukee I will be giving a clinic and demonstration of the David Barrow domino benchwork. In addition to that clinic there will actually be some good clinics too!
Dave Nelson