New Ideas in Benchwork

[Joe Satnik]

From index.mrmag.com:

Spline search:

http://www.index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=S&cmdtext=spline&MAG=ANY&output=3&sort=A

MR:

Easy spline roadbed
Model Railroader, March 2000 page 84
Free-flowing roadbed made by laminating Masonite strips
( "FUGATE, JOE", MASONITE, ROADBED, SPLINE, MR )

I like the pine lattice idea over ripping Masonite.. 

Tried a "roadbed" search also. 

http://www.index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=S&cmdtext=roadbed&MAG=ANY&output=3&sort=A


Here's  an NMRA bulletin:

Laminated Spline Roadbed Tips
NMRA Bulletin, April 1979 page 65
( "QUEYREL, LOUIS", ROADBED, SPLINE, BL )

A Schleicher book:

Benchwork and Lighting
The Model Railroading Handbook, Volume III   Book icon page 168
Spline-style roadbed; energy-saving lighting systems; creating a horizon
( BACKDROP, BENCHWORK, LIGHTING, ROADBED, ROOM, SCENERY, "SCHLEICHER, ROBERT", SPLINE )

RMC:

Switch machine installation for spline roadbed
Railroad Model Craftsman, March 1982 page 82
( "GLAAB, JOHN", MACHINE, ROADBED, SPLINE, SWITCH, RMC )

Lattisote - turn Homasote into a solid, silent roadbed
Railroad Model Craftsman, March 1988 page 84
( HOMASOTE, "KUJAWA, ROGER", ROADBED, RMC )

GR:

Roadbed for Cold Climates
Garden Railways, November/December 1992 page 24
Splined subbase provides an inexpensive solution
( GARDEN, "MURPHY, KEVIN L.", OUTDOOR, ROADBED, SPLINE, G, GDN )

Westcott:

Roadbed construction
How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork, Second Edition   Book icon page 45
Subroadbed; roadbed selection and installation
( BENCHWORK, ROADBED, SPLINE, "WESTCOTT, LINN" )

MRG:

No-Sweat Spline Roadbed
Model Railroading, June 2001 page 32
( HOMASOTE, "MITCHELL, WILLIAM", ROADBED, SPLINE, MRG )

PVC Spline Roadbed
Model Railroading, October 2004 page 39
( "HARMAN, BAMA", PVC, ROADBED, SPLINE, MRG )

RMJ:

Spline Benchwork Construction
Railmodel Journal, January 1998 page 15
( BENCHWORK, "NEALE, BILL", SPLINE, RMJ )

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[CNE Runner]

Thanks everyone for the wonderful input. Joe, your index listing was excellent...thanks.

For myself, I have decided to use 1/2" birch plywood strips - laminated together to form the outer and cross bracing. Most of the top will consist of 1/4" luan ply with 1" Styrofoam glued on top. All wooden members will have polyurethane applied to lock out moisture. The layout dimensions will be 6'x 8'x 2' wide and will be arranged in an 'L' shape. The two sections (2'x 4' and 2'x 8') will be joined by dowels and clamped together. Electrical connections will join each section via plugs. All sections will be on casters and probably at a height of 48" - which allows clearance of most electrical switch plates AND allows storage beneath. In short, nothing will be attached to the walls. All track will be Peco units and switch machines.

I will construct the layout in this fashion, so that it can be easily dismantled (with a minimum of disturbance) - and then reinstalled in a future residence should we follow our plans to eventually move to the Southwest. Since neither I, nor my wife, desire homeownership in the future; therefore the layout could be set up in an apartment, rental home, or condo without damage to the walls (and subsequent violation of any lease restrictions).

Ray

[jonathan]

Looking forward to photos!

R,

Jonathan

[Craig]

Craig - That must be some layout you have (2'x 6' beams, legs and braces...wow). I assumed you meant the 2'x 4' cross pieces were on 24 inch centers and not 24 foot centers? 'Glad the casters worked out for you...makes maintenance easier and I think that is the route I will follow myself.

Thanks for sharing,
Ray

Looks like you made the same mistake I did, Ray.

To clarify, the bench work is comprised of 2x4 framing lumber on 24 inch centers. The grid rests on a beam system built of 2x6 framing lumber . The grid is faced with 1/4 inch plywood that is laminated with 1 inch extruded foam. The foam thickness is augmented for inclines and rural areas.

[CNE Runner]

OK Craig...gotcha! You benchwork sounds like it will be stout. I used Styrofoam on my last layout and liked having the option of carving in drainage ditches and other landscapes. Good luck with your layout.

Regards,
Ray