Skip to main content

Reply to "Plywood problems"

If you are building a lightweight layout (i.e. modules) 1/4 Luan can work as long as there are sufficient joists.  My 2 ft x 4 ft modules use 1x2 joists for 24" spans on 16" centers.  .  On larger modules I may use 1x3 joists.  The module surface remains flat and supports the trains on top, but won't support my weight.  For larger tables, I go to 15/32 ply for 4 ft x 4 ft tables with no joists - just a frame made with 2x4s under the edges.  That size of table is pretty much at my weight limit for moving at the end of a show.  I regularly walk on these 4x4 tables during setup.  I have built 3 ft x 6 ft modules from 1-1/2" foam board with the edges framed with 1x3s ... and these are still in use after 25 years.  Bottom line is you can build strong and rigid tables out of light weight (quality) materials and good technique.

A key factor is material quality.  What normally passes as softwood plywood in the big box stores does not normally qualify.  Baltic Birch and domestic Birch hardwood ply is a good alternative.  I haven't see any Luan in recent years that matches what I bought years ago, but I found that two layers of 5mm underlayment ply (currently available) glued together makes a rigid 2 ft x 4 ft table surface for modules.

The O.P. was looking for a piece of 5x9 ply.  I cringe when I think of the handling problems - it would take 2 people and a truck to get it home in one piece, let alone getting it into a basement.  Far better to make three 5x3 tables. (or six 32" x 36" tables that would barely fit O-60 track).

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
×