Building Benchwork on Sunday

Paul nice work!! keep posting progress

 

Nice job Paul!
Looking forward to seeing more pics.  Enjoy the build.

Looks very good. You may want to think about another way to support the legs other than the lower slat boards you are using. I used a similar configuration two layouts ago and it was a bear getting under the table for wiring purposes. This time around, there are no obstructions from leg to leg and using a creeper, it is so much easier to work under the benchwork. Just my thoughts.

Nice work Paul,

I sure would take Passenger Train Collectors advice on that support leg issue. I been crawling around under mine the last 5 weeks. Those cross over braces would have made it a killer.

Larry

Hi Paul,

 

Look's great so far, keep us posted with progress photo's !!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks,

Alex

Diagonal leg braces up to the upper frame members will solve the access issues.

Once all sections are connected they will be solid as a rock.

 Plus you will be able to store boxes and unused items way more easily under the layout.

Rod

I understand your advice on the diagonal leg braces.  I built six of these tables about 10 years ago - at the time my carpenters skills weren't what they are now.  I know the diagonals would have made for better access but I dread the idea of taking them all apart now.  I have 7 of the tables "hooked" together with 1/2" plywood and homosote on top.  

 

Regards,

Paul

 

 

      At least take off the braces facing the front.  A sawzall would make it easy.

 

 

 

Paul,

Getting under thee tables with horizontal supports is guaranteed to be a MUCH bigger headache than dissembling and using diagonal sections. The bench work is critical to your enjoyment. My advice: Dissemblemthe horizontal supports.

 

eliot

Eliot - actually I have nine 4X8 tables so it's a real headache - instead of disassembling them I'm thinking about cutting the horizontal supports and placing diagonal braces from the inside of the tables - I think that would work just as well - 

I've gotten so used to climbing over them as I work underneath that I never thought about the use of diagonal braces!! (oh well - live and learn)

 

Regards,

Paul

Started painting the backdrop.  First went with a sky blue background paint from Lowe's - (Valspar) - then took some pics of clouds over the weekend and used those as a basic pattern to copy from.  Still need to do some mountain scenery in the lower half.  

 

Paul

very nice. I think I want a backdrop also.

Are the 1x4's just screwed in with drywall screws, can't tell from photo?

Thanks for posting all these benchwork photos, gents.  I'm enjoying them.  I also built with diagonal braces.  Definitely a good way to go

 

Who knew that getting into model trains would be an opportunity to sharpen your carpentry skills!  At least, that's what I have found.

Thanks, still trying to decide if I am going to build the benchwork or buy it....

BEEFY!!!

you could build a dance floor

on top of those things.

Start the Music, bring the wives!!!!!!!!!

Looks really good.  Love the back drop.  Keep us posted.

Today I made some progress on my layout.  I finally covered the layout with 1/2" plywood and 1/2" homosote.  I painted the top of the homosote with a beige latex paint. Eric of Eric's trains said that it helps with absorption of glue etc.  I secured cork roadbed to the homosote with staples (neat, clean and easy).  Then completed laying track for 6 isolated blocks.  I ran feeder wires to each block and grounded both outside rails.  Now I have to think about how I'm going to start my 3.5% incline - I'm thinking of purchasing the girder bridges/trestles I saw at York but they are quite expensive.  I'll probably end up making my own incline supports and running lattice down from it to create a hill effect.  

Comments and suggestions are appreciated -

 

Regards,

Paul

I did take your advice on getting rid of the lower 1X4 braces as you can see.  Huge difference in getting around under the layout!  Thanx to all of you who offered that suggestion!  As you can see I finished track work and I wired one of the loops today.  Did a test run with 3 engines and I'm up and running!

Hey Paul, i just stumbled upon your thread here... Great Job! Any new progress to report? Can't wait to see the pictures! 

Very nice work Paul, How's it coming along

Great work.

 

Peter

 

The layout looks fantastic. How about some update photos?

Paul,

   Fantastic job, looking forward to your new full train layout pictures!  I see you even used the Super High Grade Banana Plug!

PCRR/Dave