More Bench Work

I have been working on my bench work for the last few weeks. I now have the base around the room and the peninsula done.

Also I installed a new TV for when I am working on my layout or at my work desk or as you can see from the lazy chair when I just want to watch football. The chair and foot stool slide under the layout when I am not using them.

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