Railroad Layout
Sunday, September 5th, 2010Railroad Layout
N Scale Model Railroad Layouts: Building A Good Benchwork
If you are planning an N Scale Model Railroad, you have many, many creative decisions to make, but it helps not to feel like there are any rules. Your Layout will be a work of art of Your Own design, limited only by your passion and creativity, not to mention the time you have to spend. Before you begin building your layout, however, the first step should be to build a solid benchwork to support your N scale model railroad. Here is some basic advice on designing and assembling this structure.
Building the Benchwork for a Model Railroad
The term "benchwork" refers to the complete structure that serves as a support for the model railroad layout and all accessories. Usually it is one structure, but it can also be built as modular units that connect and disconnect to allow for options, and later expansion or reduction of the layout. To build it, you will need wooden beams big enough to handle the weight of the model railroad, as well as your own weight if you plan to step or sit on the layout while you're working. Some builders use 1" x 4" beams, but typically 2" x 4" beams are ideal.
Arrange the beams into a rectangle, matching the size of your planned layout surface. Lay down supporting beams across this framework parallel to the short side of the rectangle, with between one and two feet between each supporting beam.
You Can plan to attach legs to the framework for an elevated layout, but if you do, do not nail or screw them as this will affect overall stability. Instead, bolt the legs to the framework using diagonal braces. Once the legs are in place, attach the surface material, flip it over, and start building your layout. For surface material, use only plywood, and not particle board or other material that may warp over time.
Size and Height for the Layout
If you are just starting out, the recommended size for an N scale model railroad layout is 3' x 5'. This is just big enough to keep it interesting, but small enough to keep you from getting overwhelmed. You can always expand the size of the layout and benchwork later on. Also, if you need storage options for the layout surface, anything from 3' x 5' to 6' x 4' will fit nicely under a queen-size bed, which may please you and those you live with.
In terms of height, many layouts work well with a height between 2 and 4 feet, but make your own decision based upon your own height, or the height of small children with whom you may want to share your Model Train experience.
These tips are provided with N scale Model Railroads in mind, but can usually work in any other scale of model Train Layouts. As you Build Your benchwork, consider that it is essential to the long-term function and stability of Your Model Railroad, so commit to making something well built, level, and durable, and you won't regret the time you have spent on this step.
Want to Learn More?
I recommend this e-book, which has expert advice on a bunch of issues, including layout tips, scenery building, troubleshooting, and train repair: Model Train ebook
To read more about N Scale Trains, look here: N Scale Model Railroad
About the Author
Luis is an IT Manager in Dallas, TX, who also writes articles for the web on a variety of topics related to technology and hobbies.
Does anyone know a website for...?
I would like to know if anyone knows a good website that can assist in planning a model railroad layout. Thank you
I already know sites for buying products
Hello To You,
My father belonged to the NMRA for over 50 years, (National Model Railroaders' Association), needless to say, I grew up seeing and hearing about the NMRA, and all the HO trains my father and friends had.
Here is the link to the site, I believe that you will find a wealth of constructive information there.
Have Fun, I hope this helps,
Dave
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TRAIN CROSSING - Sign - xing railroad collector room Sale Price: $8.99  |
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Run Your Trains! with Lou Kovach, Owner of IC Controls Sale Price: $24.95 |
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Explains each product in detail and shows you how to use it. Gives many ideas on making your railroad empire come alive. |
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Railroad Chalks Color: Red, Price for 1 GR, 144EA/GR (part# 80502) Sale Price: $40.32 |
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80502 Color: Red, Price for 1 GR, 144EA/GR (part# 80502) This item features: -Ideal for making temporary marks on most surfaces. -Marks on metal, wood, concrete, cardboard, rubber, plastic, plus much more. -The easy-to-hold tapered shape makes broad, easy-to-read marks. -Length: 4 in. -Dia.: 1 in. -Type: Marking Chalk. -Packing Type: Box. -Quantity: 144 per box. |
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Railroad Chalks Color: White, Price for 1 GR, 144MKR/GR (part# 80500) Sale Price: $30.99 |
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80500 Color: White, Price for 1 GR, 144MKR/GR (part# 80500) This item features: -Ideal for making temporary marks on most surfaces. -Marks on metal, wood, concrete, cardboard, rubber, plastic, plus much more. -The easy-to-hold tapered shape makes broad, easy-to-read marks. -Length: 4 in. -Dia.: 1 in. -Type: Marking Chalk. -Packing Type: Box. -Quantity: 144 per box. |
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Railroad Chalks Color: Yellow, Price for 1 GR, 144EA/GR (part# 80501) Sale Price: $32.99 |
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80501 Color: Yellow, Price for 1 GR, 144EA/GR (part# 80501) This item features: -Ideal for making temporary marks on most surfaces. -Marks on metal, wood, concrete, cardboard, rubber, plastic, plus much more. -The easy-to-hold tapered shape makes broad, easy-to-read marks. -Length: 4 in. -Dia.: 1 in. -Type: Marking Chalk. -Packing Type: Box. -Quantity: 144 per box. |
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4 Narrow Gauge Layouts-Modeling the Prototype List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $19.95 |
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Some of the finest narrow gauge layouts are being built in the Pacific Northwest. In this DVD, Green Frog brings you four beautiful finished layouts of well known modelers Paul Scoles, Dave Woodrell, Jim Noonan, and Bill Busacca.Paul Scoles' freelance layout features incredible Sn3 railroading in the Pacific Northwest.Dave Woodrell's Sn3 layout shows us the Rio Grande Southern as it appeared in the late 30's from Ridgeway to Rico.Jim Noonan's modeling shows us the Rio Grande Southern in HOn3 from Ridgeway to Telluride.And finally, Bill Busacca's HOn3 operating layout features the Rio Grande Southern town of Dolores, Colorado in the 40's.Green Frog captured these layouts as if they were full scale real life. Authentic real locomotive sounds are heard as we follow these trains up and down their respective lines. Professional narration describes the modelers work and the locations that have been modeled.Approx. 55 MinutesThis product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
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Steel Alloy EZ Layout Expander Set List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $33.99 Average Rating:  |
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With the E-Z Track Expander Set, you can add to the track included with Bachmann train sets or create new configurations of turnouts, branchlines, and double-track mainlines on your existing railroad. Also, a handy track plan manual included with the Expander Set contains ideas to inspire railroad tycoons of all ages. |
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Here is a Lionel 62927 Lubrication/Maintenance Kit. This set includes gear lube, an oil applicator, track cleaning fluid, track-cleaning eraser and cleaning instructions. This kit will ensure the operating quality of your locomotives and keep them running smoothly for years to come.The Trainz SKU for this item is S11401312. Manufacturer: LionelProduct Number: 62927 |
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LGB G Scale Rerailer List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $24.99 |
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Ships in 4-5 Business Days. Not available for expedited shipping.This is an LGB 10020 Rerailer. It is constructed of plastic and measures 11 inches long.The Trainz SKU for this item is P11492693.Condition: NewTCA Grade: C-10Original Box: YesManufacturer: LGBModel Number: 10020Scale/Era: G ScaleModel Type: Track/Switches/Etc.The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (M.S.R.P) for this item is $21.99. |
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Add classic accessories to your toy train layout! Lionel's electronic accessory items from the 1940's and 1950's through the present day have been very popular with toy train enthusiasts. Classic Toy Trains editor Neil Besougloff helps you incorporate these accessories, both originals and modern reproductions, into your layout. |
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Shelf Layouts for Model Railroads List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $13.57 Used From: $12.27 Average Rating:  |
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Learn how to build a shelf layout by exploring the possibilities, practicalities, and challenges of linear layout design in a variety of layouts with construction details. |
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8 Realistic Track Plans For Small Switching Layouts List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $17.60 Used From: $22.08 Average Rating: |
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8 Realistic Track Plans For Small Switching Layouts provides easy to follow track plans for building small but fun model railroads that will fit in a typical spare room. Each plan is designed to be visually inspiring, easy to build, and fun to operate. Included are port railroads, modern era themes, and themes for the 1950's. |
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