First Permenent Layout - Update 10-09-15

Looks great. Nice looking layout and good size too. I am a big fan of the Mianne bench work. Great stuff. Looks like you will have a very nice layout when finished. Do you have a track plan thread or pictures posted somewhere? I didn't use Homasote, it is hard to get around here and pretty very expensive, so I will leave that to others more experienced with it. I do know it is good for a base for holding track screws and trees and other things like that in addition to reducing noise.

 

I also have some physical problems that severely limit getting under my layout. If you have any further work to do under the layout (I am sure you will), get one of these Mechanic's Stools from Harbor Freight. It you are not too tall it works great. I get around pretty well on this thing under the Mianne, for about 10-15 minutes at a time. Gotta come out and straighten up for a while after that before going back in. Just remember to duck a little when approaching the cross braces.

 

Good luck and please keep us posted with lots of pictures.

Great start.

congrats paul

 

i am about to get started on my layout and will be using mianne also

 

have fun and keep on posting

 

 

j

You can either screw or glue it.  If you will ever want to take the layout apart or rearrange the tables Screwing is the only option.  I would use flat head screws so they will be flush to the surface.  The will countersink/recess themselves.  I'd place them about 1 foot apart around the edge and along any cross members.

 

Jan

Paul, looks good. Keep showing your progress.
Ray.

Rtr12;

 

thanks for for the info. I luckily have been using my "crappy basement" for storage and I had an old desk chair which lowers to around 15 inches, almost as good as your recommendation, so I will be using it as soon as I remove the back. 

 

Luckily, the Home Depot near me carries homasote. It was a bit pricey, but I've heard a number of recomendations on it's sound reduction quality that I thought it was worth the extra cost.

 

and I must agree on the Mianne benchwork. I was able to assemble the 14' x 16' layout with a 48' wide island in the middle all by myself. It is very well designed.

Thanks Jan. While I suspect this will be a real permanent layout, you never know. I'll get some flat head screws to secure the homasote.

 

Thanks.

Jpc;

 

I am sure you will be happy with Mianne. Tim is great to work with and his product is first rate (and made in the USA). I plan to post my progress.

Thanks Ray - more to follow. It will be great to be able to run a train without crawling around on the floor!!!

Thanks Spence, but in comparison to your efforts, mine don't compare!!! And, while I look forward to seeing your new layout, I sincerly hope that I will NEVER see a need for O120 curves. I am a sucker for big steam and if they start making anything bigger than the Lionel BigBoy, I will be in serious trouble.

 

Thanks again.