N Scale Model Railroads - Layouts and Benchwork
When deciding how to build your N scale model railroad, there are many options, but there really aren't any rules.
Every layout becomes the creative expression of the builder, and layout styles vary greatly, from a traditional "green flatland" layout to layouts with complex natural formations, water, or scaled cities replete with buildings and monuments.
Before the creative choices are fully underway, however, there is a basic benchwork that needs to be built to support your N scale model railroad, so let's look at some tips on building this structure.
Building Benchwork for a Model Railroad The term "benchwork" refers to the totality of the structure that is built to support your N scale model railroad and its accessories.
For an elevated layout you should use wooden beams big enough for the size and weight of the layout they will support.
For a very large layout, keep in mind that it will need to support your own weight as you will probably have to step and climb on it occasionally.
You can use 1" x 4" beams, but usually 2" x 4" beams are preferred for maximum support.
Arrange your beams and connect them into a rectangle the same size as your planned surface area to form a basic framework.
Use supporting beams across the framework parallel to the short side of the rectangle, about one or 2 feet apart.
For an elevated layout, you can attach legs to the framework, but bolt them with braces attached diagonally to both the leg and the framework.
Once the legs are in place you can attach the surface and you are well on your way towards your N scale model railroad layout.
Note: for surfaces, you should definitely use plywood instead of particle board or other softer material that could warp over time.
Size and Height Recommendations In terms of layout size, if you are a beginner a 3' x 5' layout is recommended, as this is a great starter size for your N scale model railroad, and can be easily stored under a bed, obviously without legs attached.
Actually, anything up to 6' x 4' will fit under a queen-size bed, so build accordingly if storage is an issue.
If you are building your benchwork with legs, most layouts are somewhere between 2 feet and 4 feet in height.
You may want to establish the height based on your own height, to spare yourself a lot of stooping, or you may want to consider a height which allows children to participate more closely with the railroad.
These tips are given with N scale model railroads in mind, but can certainly work for any other scale of model railroad.
Realize that your benchwork is vital to the long-term resilience and stability of your model train layout, so commit to making something well built, level, and durable, and you won't regret the time spent on this step.
Every layout becomes the creative expression of the builder, and layout styles vary greatly, from a traditional "green flatland" layout to layouts with complex natural formations, water, or scaled cities replete with buildings and monuments.
Before the creative choices are fully underway, however, there is a basic benchwork that needs to be built to support your N scale model railroad, so let's look at some tips on building this structure.
Building Benchwork for a Model Railroad The term "benchwork" refers to the totality of the structure that is built to support your N scale model railroad and its accessories.
For an elevated layout you should use wooden beams big enough for the size and weight of the layout they will support.
For a very large layout, keep in mind that it will need to support your own weight as you will probably have to step and climb on it occasionally.
You can use 1" x 4" beams, but usually 2" x 4" beams are preferred for maximum support.
Arrange your beams and connect them into a rectangle the same size as your planned surface area to form a basic framework.
Use supporting beams across the framework parallel to the short side of the rectangle, about one or 2 feet apart.
For an elevated layout, you can attach legs to the framework, but bolt them with braces attached diagonally to both the leg and the framework.
Once the legs are in place you can attach the surface and you are well on your way towards your N scale model railroad layout.
Note: for surfaces, you should definitely use plywood instead of particle board or other softer material that could warp over time.
Size and Height Recommendations In terms of layout size, if you are a beginner a 3' x 5' layout is recommended, as this is a great starter size for your N scale model railroad, and can be easily stored under a bed, obviously without legs attached.
Actually, anything up to 6' x 4' will fit under a queen-size bed, so build accordingly if storage is an issue.
If you are building your benchwork with legs, most layouts are somewhere between 2 feet and 4 feet in height.
You may want to establish the height based on your own height, to spare yourself a lot of stooping, or you may want to consider a height which allows children to participate more closely with the railroad.
These tips are given with N scale model railroads in mind, but can certainly work for any other scale of model railroad.
Realize that your benchwork is vital to the long-term resilience and stability of your model train layout, so commit to making something well built, level, and durable, and you won't regret the time spent on this step.
