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joem5127
New Hire
USA
6 Posts |
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BBLmber
Fireman
USA
4237 Posts |
 Posted - 07/07/2012 : 10:10:33 PM
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While on the topic of design, I have decided to use Atlas code 83 track and switches. This decision is based on economy as well as my preference. While I like Peco switches they are quite expensive and I am on a fixed encome.
Another topic for discussion is benchwork, I am not going to have any thing wider than 18" and I am thinking about lighter bechwork and ease of construction. What are your thoughts?
Mark |
W,L,&E |
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jbvb
Fireman
USA
1866 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2012 : 5:54:34 PM
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| What are your preferences regarding strength and depth of the benchwork? Some people are just using 2" rigid foam, which reduces depth to a minimum, but isn't very strong, won't hold screws, and must be carved or laminated where you want changes in elevation. Wescott's L-Girder is strong, easy to modify and can accommodate all kinds of scenery and track arrangements, but is generally is at least 10" deep. I combined L-girders with open-grid style crossmembers because I wanted long spans between legs while maximizing clearance underneath so I can use the space behind the layout for storage. |
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BBLmber
Fireman
USA
4237 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2012 : 10:37:15 PM
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James, I am thinkin about using 2" foam and am looking at some kind of shelf braket system with 1/4" plywood under the foam. I was thinking about the track for shelving with brakets. Stong but light construction. Ed Traxxler used a simular set-up to hold his On30 moduels. Being mostly flat there will be limited elevation change.
Mark |
W,L,&E |
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jbvb
Fireman
USA
1866 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2012 : 07:24:57 AM
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| Laid flat, 1/4" plywood isn't very rigid. It will be stronger if you glue the foam to it, but the added strength will come from the foam in compression. With only 18" width of foam, you might need brackets every 3 feet or so. If you will be using a backdrop, one way to get longer spans would be to permanently fasten the backdrop to the plywood, possibly with a wood reinforcing strip in the joint. A 12" to 18" backdrop done this way would allow much longer spans. |
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BBLmber
Fireman
USA
4237 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2012 : 10:28:55 AM
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James, I should memntion that I would also add 2 lengths of 2x2 for support the backdrop will fasten to the shelf track. The shelf tracks will be every 4' with 18'" or 12" brackets as needed.
Mark |
W,L,&E |
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Indiana Northeastern RWY Design
