workbench help

[CAS]

Which bench work would be the best to work with?
I like the open-top one. But how would you know where to align or place your track?

Thanks, CAS

 

[ezdays]

I would think since you don't have a lot of trackwork, that starting off with foam and use foam risers might be easier to start with. Just my thoughts, your choice ultimately...

 

[CAS]

My design size i'm thinking of doing is 12'x6', shaped like a E.

CAS

 

[2slim]

I like the open-top one. But how would you know where to align or place your track?

CAS
On open top benchwork you would have to know where your tracks are going to be and at what height, not exactly but pretty close then you'd map their locations on some sub-roadbed made out of plywood supported on risers, (sounds more complicated than it is). Get yourself a book on bench work or maybe you can find someone who's built an open top layout and see if they will let you crawl under it for a peek.

 

[trains1972]

I made both types of benchwork for layouts. The one problem with the solid base is reaching across it. The open frame is easier to get under and retrieve derailed trains. The solid base layout that I had lasted only a few months before I took it apart to build another. The layout I have now is a shelf design the widest part is 2 feet wide.

The way I did mine is cut out pieces of plywood in straight tracks for were the curves are I added a triangle shaped piece of plywood to were the straight tracks meet and used small pieces of plywood to attach the joints of the wood. Then all you have to do is add pieces of wood to raise the track to the height you want it. You do not have to figure out anything except were to start and how wide you want the plywood to be to hold the track.

Here are some pictures to help understand a little better.

The two straight pieces meeting on a 90 degree and the triangle to carry the track.

A peak underneath of the corner.

 

[CAS]

I'm gonna go with the open bench first. And then if i have any problems, i'll go with the cookie cutter.

Thanks for the replys.
CAS

 

[Will_annand]

Cas, have a look at my track plan, it is on my website.

http://www.muskokacomputes.com/images/CVR/CVRTrackplan.jpg

My layout is 11.5' x 6' M shaped. I used both the foam and the open top method.
Photos can be seen here:

http://www.muskokacomputes.com/CVR_Layout02.htm

 

[2slim]

Will your layout is lookin' better all the time!! :thumb:

CAS
Don't know what era you plan to model but I found this guy's link John Leader to be one of my favorites as he models the Rockies and that's what I want to do. But he has a lot of benchwork pictures which can give you, (or anyone for that matter) some good ideas. The Rail Images site is loaded with lots of picture galleries of guys who model N scale, I go there a lot for ideas.

2slim

 

[Will_annand]

Thanks 2Slim, I have done some more work on it, but I do not have a Camera, so I have to wait until my Uncle comes to visit and I can update the website.

 

[60103]

CAS: with the open top you try to cut roadbed to fit where the track is going -- it's usually assembled from pieces. Then the supports are added in where the roadbed goes. Some people go by eye, some measure a lot, and some draw it out in full uner the layout!

 

[Tileguy]

ive tried them all at one time or another.Suffice it to say i will never build any layout unless its over L girder or Open Grid benchwork. it just eliminates all kinds of headaches ,the kind that crop up after you are so far into the project you hate to quit!!

Your call,learning from others experiances may just save you the same troubles though

 

[rockislandmike]

What I do is make the plan, and then measure how far it is away from the wall. Once you cut out the subroadbed and put the centerline on it, then you can measure how far it should be from the wall, and wa-la.