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Wooden Construction On Railroad

Mike has a question for fellow model railroaders to try and answer. If you can help him he would really appreciate your feedback. If you have knowledge and experience please don’t keep it to yourself – help other and keep this hobby alive and thriving.

Mike asks you:

“I was wondering what size lumber to make my frame out of, 4X4 legs and the frame 2X6? Cross members 2X6? Drill 2″ holes into the cross members, and 1/2 inch or 1” particle board for the top, or should I use plywood?

My layout is going to be 18′ X 10′ 3.5′ wide on the long sides and 4′ on the ends, should I use 3.5 all the way around? Should I do my wiring before I put the plywood top on? After I put the top on my frame I should put 1″ foam board on top of my plywood, or a board called Homasote as it makes things quiet when the train is running around. If your readers can answer me I sure would appreciate it.”

Click the green comment link to add your feedback.

One Response to Wooden Construction On Railroad

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi Mike,
    I built my bench work with l-3 poplar l-girders and 1×3 cross members. I used 2×3’s for legs. Its strong and light weight. If you use this method you could also make it modular and then screw it together. This also makes it somewhat portable, should you have to move it at some point. I took the approach your considering on my first attempt and found that it was very heavy/impossible to move, thus forcing me to destroy it when I moved. Good luck.
    Steve

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