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Post by ptc on Sept 27, 2019 15:11:25 GMT
I have built several layouts during the many years I have been part of this hobby. On two occasions, I contracted for the work, one a disaster and the other, a success. The success was achieved as I knew what I wanted, and I supervised the work. Some who are facing the prospect of building or adding to an existing layout are somewhat intimidated by this part of layout construction. No need to be, you have many options.
1. Do it yourself. By far the least expensive route and typically the quickest. A visit to your local Home Depot and 2x4's will make a very strong frame for your decking. Some worry about not much carpentry experience in their background, but if I can do it, anybody can. I was 79 when and between Elizabeth and I we did it all. 2. Hire a local carpenter/handyman. Design the benchwork to your specifications. If you’re not sure, there are lots of folks here than can help. If you buy the materials, this will also save you bucks. This is the 2nd least costly option. 3. Purchase a commercial benchwork product that can be very expensive compared to the other options. Some of the commercial benchwork systems available can be a bear to work under for wiring purposes because of legs and cross members. I am very happy I did not go with this option.
4. Custom built layout. The builder does it all as part of the entire layout package. If you don’t have the time for new layout construction and a good-sized budget, this is an excellent option.
So, what's best for your purposes. Really depends on available time, how much you want to invest, and to a lesser degree, individual Ingenuity.
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Post by twincities on Sept 27, 2019 15:19:38 GMT
very good advice I second the motion to do your own benchwork
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Post by MichRR714 on Sept 27, 2019 15:32:34 GMT
I built my own benchwork. The wife and I could dance on it
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Post by Joe Saggese on Sept 27, 2019 15:52:34 GMT
I built my bench. It also serves as an air raid shelter.
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Post by rockymountaineer on Sept 27, 2019 16:09:28 GMT
I posted this photo here on OGF for another reason the other day, but here it is again showing the framework underneath my Dunham Studios layout. No heavy 2x4's or 2x6's here. No traditional open gridwork or L-Girder benchwork either, as is often discussed in model railroad benchwork books and magazines. It's all lightweight framing (gates) using furniture-grade birch plywood, but the design easily supports 1x6 joists that comprise 14 portable platforms. And even more importantly, they easily support my 200lbs of body weight if I need to step up on top to do any maintenance. This is the same technique used to build stage sets that need to be strong yet portable to allow quick movement on/off stage. The beauty of it all in this case is this style of framing allows the entire layout to be easily portable in the event I ever want it moved. (No plans for that in mind, but it's nice knowing it can be done if the need arises!!!) David
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Post by fabforrest on Sept 27, 2019 16:20:40 GMT
I built my bench. It also serves as an air raid shelter. Excellent!
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Post by Country Joe on Sept 27, 2019 16:45:15 GMT
While I'm not a particularly skilled carpenter I made my own benchwork for most of the many layouts I've built in my lifetime. Model railroad benchwork requires only minimal carpentry skills. I purchased Sievers benchwork when we lived in a condo. I had no place to build my own benchwork and Sievers' Benchwork was a good solution. When we moved to Florida I had a much bigger train room and a garage to work in so I added to the Sievers Benchwork. Kits like Sievers or Mianne are a good alternative for those who don't have the skills, space to work, the tools required, or who may not be physically up to the task of building benchwork.
For some hiring a carpenter or having a layout custom built may be the only way for them to have a layout, either because they don't have the time and/or the skills needed to build the layout of their dreams, or they have no interest in the building process and just want a layout.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2019 17:29:28 GMT
Well my layout is now twenty years old. It's a combo of the Lionel layout my father built me when I was five and the rest by my hands using my fathers methods. I can walk on it if the ceiling was tall enough. When I retire/move the next bench work will be by Mianne bench work if they are still around.
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Post by ptc on Sept 27, 2019 17:38:04 GMT
David, if I were to engage a layout builder, I would undoubtedly go with Clarke Durham. He is the best of the best and your layout is proof positive.
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Post by laz57 on Sept 27, 2019 20:45:02 GMT
2x4s and homesite plywood for my DIY. Polka dance every Sunday Night on it too.
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Post by ptc on Sept 27, 2019 21:20:25 GMT
More like a small army, Laz.
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Post by JKP on Sept 27, 2019 21:56:45 GMT
Ive had the same basic layout since I started(10 years or so), although I had to take some down and make it smaller due to the utility company needing access . I was a put track down and run trains guy and then I realized I needed a town to go with it . After being on forums this past year and seeing how other enthusiast do it I do plan on doing a new layout some time. I have gotten a lot of great ideas from forums. I would like to build another room in my basement for it. It will make my layout smaller but I will be smarter with the space I have.
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Post by ptc on Sept 27, 2019 22:03:16 GMT
With each layout build, you do get better at it. Once you have the space allocated, make a detailed plan and stick to it. I kept my plan for our latest layout and you would be amazed as to how closely the finished product was to it.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2019 1:35:14 GMT
David, that is one sweet build. I will never have to move my layout,(hopefully),yours is a very practical approach.
Gary.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2019 13:31:15 GMT
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