So after months of planning and with no
real timeline on Atlas code 55 track I though it was time to get the
bench work built before summer ends and it starts to get cold here in
Hamilton Ontario. I have been part of a club that has built 2 large
layouts, one with 1x3 pine and one with 3/4 plywood and the plywood
layout was 100 % better. It works out to be a little more money but
it is so much stronger and easier to work with and you don't have to
go through 1000 boards to get 50 that are worth using.
We get the lumber yard to rip them in
half so they are easier to run through the table saw. It is a little
time consuming but the payoffs are in the strength of the bench work
and the fact that the plywood will not expand and contract in weather
changes like pine will.
The layout height will be 55" but we built the bench work at 52'' which leaves 3" for rivers and valleys. Most of the layout will be flat but it is always good to have the option. Legs are just made from 2 pieces in an L shape and will have a 45 degree braces to make them sturdier.
After a days work with a friend that
does the ripping and has taught me about wood working I have one
section built and installed in the basement. We still have some
ripping to do but are well on our way.
Here is a update of the layout plan
that I have been working on. My next update will have labels on the
plan so you can all see what is going where. I am sure I will change it at least 4 more times before I get any track.
That is all for now. Thanks for looking