Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Benchwork Mistakes To Avoid
Mistakes when constructing benchwork can be difficult to rectify, so it’s best to avoid them in the first place. Here are some things to consider and mistakes to avoid:
>> Will anything you do be a safety risk that could potentially result in an accident or fire? Will the use of materials such as foam void your house insurance?
>> How much weight will the structure need to support? Will it cope with the weight now and in the future? Will you ever need to climb over or stand on the benchwork?
>> Will the benchwork be stable? Shaking and movement can derail trains.
>> Are the aisles wide enough for you and other operators? Not having aisle room to pass another operator can be very frustrating. Narrow aisles can restrict walkaround control.
>> Can all areas of the layout be easily accessed from either from the layout edge or from underneath? No being able to access a derailed car cause problems.
>> How will humidity affect the layout? Will the sub-roadbed bend or buckle?
>> How will the changes in elevation (vertical displacement) affect train operations? Sudden changes in track angles can uncouple and derail cars.
>> Is it practical now (and in the future) to crawl underneath or “duck-under” benchwork access areas, or to operate from a pit? Is there an easier way to do things?
>> Is the layout the right height for you? An uncomfortable height can spoil the fun especially if you develop back problems.
>> Are you making best use of the under layout space. Can areas be used for storage or will this make accessibility difficult?
>> Are you ever going to move house and relocate? What happens to your layout then? Does it need to be built in modules to make it portable?
Click here for more scenery ideas
http://www.modelrailwayscenery.org/model-railroad-scenery.html
4 Responses to Benchwork Mistakes To Avoid
Leave a Reply
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers
Model Train Help Ebook
Can anyone recommend the ideal height for bench-work, if there is such a thing? I am 5 foot 3 inches tall.
I am going to build a layout on existing bench-work that is 47 inches high. It just happens to be that high and also chest height as it was built a decade ago for another purpose. It can be adjusted relatively easily higher or lower if necessary. Access is not a issue.
Thanks in advance.
There is a need to make sure that the curves are sufficient radius to take multiple wheel trains so that they are not derailed
My curve radius is pre-ordained by the track type I will be using. All of my locos and rolling stock will negotiate the curves without difficulty.
Now back to my original questions about height…
As a Life Long Model Railroader, I never stop learning new ideas and Techniques. When I talk to people that are getting started in the hobby I tell them that my experience can tell you what not to do as I have most likely tried it. As far as height of bench work I have seen them so height the visitors had a hard time seeing the work. Some have said they built it so high so they could easily get under it to work on the wiring. Some say it is high so they can look at the layout as if they were seeing it in real life without stooping over. But in reality we hope it is at a height that your visitors will see it the way you express it. I have been to train shows where parents have to hold their children up through the whole show and you can tell the parents were over the hobby and may not promote it with their children before they left the show. There is and has to be a comparable height.
My layout has 2 levels. a Staging level sitting at only 27 inches from the floor. Working at this level is tough from a standing position but sitting on a stool works well. The main level sits at 11 inches to 14 inches above the staging at about 48 inches up from the floor. and is a good height for various folks to view my work. I am not worried about young folks grabbing my trains as I let them run a few that are cheap and inexpensive to start with just in case of an accident and they are proud that they are part of it. Happy Railroading in 2014, Newman