| Benchwork is what we call the support structure | | | | boxes - if you are working in the smaller scales, |
| of your model train scenery and layout. It may | | | | say 'N' scale or smaller, there are a growing |
| not be as exciting as running your trains or | | | | number of model railroaders building shoebox |
| detailing a locomotive, but, taking some time | | | | scenes, leaving attachment points so they can be |
| designing and building a solid foundation for your | | | | mated with other scenes, creating a larger layout. |
| layout will pay off in leaving you plenty of time to | | | | Benchwork Particulars |
| enjoy your hobby. And some time soon, your | | | | If you are building your own benchwork, it's a |
| wife is going to want to eat in the dining room! | | | | good idea to start with smaller modules. That |
| Your benchwork is going to be determined by a | | | | way you can expand your layout over time |
| number of things to consider, including: how much | | | | (sometimes a lifetime!) Build a framework up to |
| space you have, your layout goals, fixed or | | | | 2x6 feet out of 1x4 lumber. Add 1x4s inside the |
| movable, and will you want to take all or part of | | | | frame to create a grid with spacing about 2x2 |
| your layout to shows, conventions, your friends | | | | feet. This provides a solid and level platform to |
| house? | | | | work on. From here, you can either attach |
| There are two options to benchwork - you can | | | | ½" plywood directly, or as some do, attach |
| purchase a kit, which is easily assembled and | | | | 2" thick extruded foam insulation (available at |
| taken apart, or you can build your own. If you | | | | home centers). This material is light, strong, and |
| build your own, you can make it permanent, or | | | | easy to work with. |
| modular. | | | | Construct your benchwork using screws, so that |
| While kits are fairly straightforward to assemble | | | | you can dis-assemble it if need be.Using foam |
| (you read the instructions, right?), building | | | | insulation, you can vary the elevation of your |
| benchwork from scratch require minimal skills | | | | landscape, carving into it to create depressions for |
| working with wood and tools. | | | | water or valleys, and gluing on to it to add hills |
| A note here before we continue on about a few | | | | and mountains. Make sure you use the correct |
| less common alternatives - shelving and shoe | | | | adhesive for the material you have. |
| boxes. The British are masters at shelving layouts, | | | | Benchwork is the foundation upon which you are |
| using one or two walls for a 'point to point' layout | | | | going to build your model railroad layout. Make |
| (no loop). These are usually created with smaller | | | | sure it's sturdy, and fits your needs both now and |
| sections, two to four feet in length. And shoe | | | | for the future. And have fun! |