Skip to main content

Closed7 replies

Layout construction began 1-7-2012

Matt15237Matt15237OGR Forum Member
Began building the benchwork this weekend.







I still need to add some bracing. I ran out of screws and energy. Wood cost $101 and it was cheaper to use 2 x 4's than 1 x 4's. Screws and misc. hardware cost close to $30. The overall size is 8'3" x 23'. I built it in 2 - 8'3" x 11' 6" sections.

I used the following method to level the layout.



I was able to get the entire thing perfectly level. You can make the smallest of adjustments with this setup.


The more I keep reviewing the track plan, the more I keep changing it. I need to make a final decision and stick with it.

Time to save money for track and switches.

How close do most folks lay track to the outside edges? Trying to figure out a go way to "end" the perimeter edge.

I'll keep adding pictures and progress updates as I go.

Matt
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

ChessieFan72ChessieFan72OGR Forum Member
Matt,

As Will stated, you should add some more crossmembers. I would add more leg support, especially along the middle of each module. Don't forget to add some cross-bracing. I don't know what you have in mind for scenery and track, but if it gets too heavy or unbalanced, you will have some fits.

As far as track from the edge of your layout, that depends on what your tastes are and how you plan to finish the edge. Are you going to ballast your track? Will you be adding a fascia?
Dewey TrogdonDewey TrogdonOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER
You are off to a good start--a couple of framing suggestions: Smile

The layout grid framing is hanging on screws that hopefully are not drywall type and are ones that have good tensile/shear strength. A good step if using drywall screws, a part of your "bracing" should be to add 10-12" long 2x2 or 2x4 blocks under the 2x4 perimeter and center girders on each leg to provide a direct bearing surface. Yours is not a lightweight girder system and you will likely be crawling on top of this island type layout at some point to reach ceiling lights, etc.
WillWillOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Matt, cross members and bracing aren't the same thing. What is your top going to be? Plywood on the entire thing? If so the plywood does the diagonal bracing and the extra cross members are more important than the angle pieces you are putting in.

Don't get defensive, I thought you posted this to get some feedback.
quote:
Originally posted by Matt15237:
Guys - as stated, I still need to add more bracing. I ran out of screws and time this weekend. I definitely will be adding bracing to the legs.


I plan to have a fascia around the layout to finish it off. I do paln on using ballast on the track.

Matt
Matt15237Matt15237OGR Forum Member
No offense taken.

I have quickly learned since joining this forum that I need to use exact vocabulary when posting. My reference to bracing was to imply I need to strengthen the layout in various ways ie...crossmembers and various supports.

I was originally going to try and "cookie cutter" the road bed. However since I have such a large area and would need to traverse it at various points and times, I'm thinking that perhaps the best choice would be to cover it with plywood and use Homasote or cork under the track to reduce noise.

Thanks for the help.
Views: 1,255
Post
The Track Planning and Layout Design Forum is sponsored by

AN OGR FORUM CHARTER SPONSOR

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership

OGR Forum Supporting Membership

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.
You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!
A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!


    OR     


Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND  over 300 back issues of OGR
with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!



$12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×