For building benchwork, this is the best book out there. Apr 14, 2012 the benchwork for model trains does not have to follow a boring square pattern any longer. Modular model railroads archive for module construction. How to build benchwork for a model railroad worldwide rails. Model railroad benchwork planning and building ideas.
My first permanent ho layout was built on opengrid, igirder and truss benchwork. Over the course of three years, model railroader senior editor david popp offered readers a monthly step by step glimpse into his n scale naugatuck river valley layout as he built the layout from the ground up. Benchwork without tools 22 stories up model railroad. This is a handson guide to drawing and designing a model railroad that will fit the available space and result in a realistic layout. Building a model railroad step by step book, 2011 worldcat. It is a great book for the begining modeler and a good refresher guide for the more experienced modeler. Planning is crucial at this stage so you know what tools and materials. Although this book was written circa 1979 i think its still a gem. Whether its permanent and adjustable or lightweight and portable, benchwork is one of the most important components of a model railroad in any scale.
How to build model railroad benchwork by linn westcott 1979. If you have carefully drawn your trackplan on grid paper using a scale of say 1 inch 1foot, then you will be able to measure the size of platform you need on top of the supporting structure. As a rule, install a riser under roadbed every 2 feet or so. How to build model railroad benchwork has 2 available editions to buy at half price books marketplace same low prices, bigger selection, more fun. In the model railroad hobby, you have many choices of what you want to model. Next to track planning for realistic operation this should the most important book in your library if youre planning to build. How to build model railroad benchwork by linn h westcott. You can build a large infrastructure and evolve the various scenes one step at a time. How to build strong model railroad benchwork a coffee.
Next to track planning for realistic operation this should the most important book in your library if youre planning to build a model railroad. How to build model railroad benchwork2nd edition on the. Planning your model railroad benchwork you will need to keep your trackplan in front of you as you design your benchwork. Im going to show my first steps of my open grid benchwork for my model railroad. Includes easytofollow instructions for constructing moderately sized approximately 4 x 8 n or ho scale model railroads from benchwork through finished scenery. Great books for the model railroader railroad model. Covers the materials and tools for making benchwork for any. Using sectionalmodular methods on a home layout toma. As i see it, there are many ways to evolve a model railroad. How to build model railroad benchwork by linn westcott 1996.
The 3 main elements that you need to build your model railroad benchwork are supporting structure, platformgrid, and subroadbed. More than 30 short projects take modelers through the process, from building benchwork to operating realistically. The use of dominoes has been credited to and popularized by david barrow on his cat mountain and santa fe. Ideal for novice model railroaders or experienced hobbyists interested in exploring other scales. Kalmbach basic model railroad benchwork 2nd edition model. See more ideas about model trains, model train layouts, model railroad. Buy how to build model railroad benchwork by linn h westcott online at alibris. Online shopping for model trains from a great selection at books store. You will still need to refer to other more advanced books.
How to build model railroad benchwork, 2nd edition. I have built my own benchwork from scratch using 2x4s and plywood without the benefit of reading about it first. Introduction to model railroading model railroaders how. How to build better benchwork to support track and scenery. Without any legs, brackets, or other visible means of support, floating benchwork keeps all attention focused on the model railroad. I followed lynn wescotts old book detailing how to build, stepbystep, open grid benchwork. Kalmbach book how to build model railroad benchwork 2nd. One book,how to build model railroad benchwork, 2nd edition features. For apprentices and amateur metalworkers, this book is a practical, handson guide to engineering benchwork that teaches all the valuable hand tool skills and procedures for files, punches, hand filers, and more. Basic model railroad benchwork basic trackwork for model. How to avoid costly mistakes when building model railroad. Many of the newer authors and titles from model railroader arent as good.
Benchwork is not fun or glamorous but it is the foundation of all that will follow. Engineer hall first ho scale layout build in 15 years. Layout command controlrealistic model railroad building blocksbasic. Book how to build model railroad benchwork 2nd edition kalmbach 40012175. How to build model railroad benchwork, second edition. You can build a complete small layout, then replan and evolve to a larger layout. Chapter 2 of how to build model railroad benchwork 2nd edition gets into how to pick out picking. Model railroad benchwork doesnt need to be fancy, but it should be sturdy. Dominoes are typically 2 x 4 foot sections or modules of open grid benchwork that bolt together to make a railroad layout. This book shows how to build it effectively and cheaply. In this dvd the modeler will learn how to build frame benchwork, a flexible system that can be used to make anysized model railroad. Follow the construction of a model railroad layout from start to finish. This is the gold standard for building model railroad benchwork. The clubs history details various moves that have been possible because of the modular layout club name.
Read download basic benchwork pdf pdf book library. There are detailed books published by kalmbach on building model railroad benchwork that are worth looking at. Booktopia buy model railways books online from australias leading online bookstore. The model railroad benchwork is the supporting structure to which the model railroad track will be attached to. The 2nd edition does give more information in a number of areas as well as being updated on newer materials and tools compared to the first edition. How to build model railroad benchwork, second edition model railroader basic model railroad benchwork. Usually the plywood base that your model railroad is built on is floppy and weak. We import only the best products from our own wholesalers as well as from amazon, ebay, bonanza, walmart and others in order to give you the best. In this case, it is just the framing to hold the deck. This is the place to go for bridge modules or sectional layout benchwork to fit a specific space. Beginners building a small table or shelf layout up to experience modelers assembling the benchwork for a basement empire wil find what they need in this comprehensive guide.
The only way to sure it up is by adding a benchwork beneath the plywood that gives the layout a strong foundation to keep building even heavier items on top of your layout such as. This book provides directions, photos, and drawings for build. The starr is a large ho scale layout includes both 2 and 4 track nmra modules with strong pointtopoint operations, and in the future, will include freemo modules. Scale model railroading narrow gauge railroads blend the mystique of the old west with spectacular scenery and the sights and sounds of the iron horse.
He doesnt give exact dimensions but gives you the knowledge to build benchwork for. Pocatello model railroad and historical society, a 501c3 nonprofit. Modular model railroads sectional lightweight portable. Model railroader staff built this ho scale layout, based on the virginian. Basic model railroad benchwork, the complete photo guide by jeff wilson basic trackwork for model railroader, the complete photo guide by jeff wilson designing and building multideck model railroads,by tony koester introduction to model railroading by jeff wilson available at your local hobby shop and possibly the public library. Benchwork is the essential framework that holds your trains and track up off the floor. Building multi deck model railroads model railroad. How to build model railroad benchwork book by linn h westcott. Westcott worked for model railroader magazine for 43 years. A model railroad is a form of evolutionary art that changes and grows with its creator. Covers the gm locomotive book released in 194748 and up until the emd locomotives book by solomon.
Therefore, it could be as simple as a piece of plywood that is attached to a table or complex with elaborate details. Once this is complete, pick it up and tac it to your wall near the center of the framework. Stepbystep photos and illustrations let modelers see every phase of construction and apply the techniques to their own projects. The site is worth looking at just for the artistry of the construction techniques. How to build strong model railroad benchwork a coffee state. We import only the best products from our own wholesalers as well as from amazon, ebay, bonanza, walmart and others in order to give you the best selection of whats on the market. Model railroad benchwork building a support wall youtube.
You are about to learn how to build model railroad benchwork. If you would like more information on building benchwork for model trains check out these great reference books. If you are new to this build, we will help guide you through the process so you can create the benchwork you want. The purpose of building benchwork for your model railroad is to sturdy up your layout. Uhoh, it looks like your internet explorer is out of date. Their typical subroadbed examples are 12 inch plywood.
How to build model railroad benchwork by linn westcott. Ho railroad from start to finish model railroad handbook, no 36by jim kellyeditor, michael emmericheditor paperback july 1993 benchwork from a distance. Plywood is the best material to work with because it is easily available. Not much has changed in building layouts except the use of newer materials for laying over plywood. Although this book doesnt feature all varieties of model railroad. Every model railroad needs industries to keep trains rolling, and build big and small industries for your model railroad provides inspiration and howto instructions for adding many types of businesses to your layout. Benchwork joist spacing model railroader magazine model. A guide to build your model railroad building building. Or you can be mobile and modular, build freemo sections. How to build floating shelf benchwork for a model railroad. Aug 01, 2020 any model railroad worth building is worth the time and effort it takes to build unshakable benchwork.
Time saving techniques for building model railroads. A great book for those just building a new model railroad layout. How to build model railroad benchwork, second edition model. Instructions for benchwork, the framework for model trains, covering tools and materials, framework for permananet layouts, joists, risers and cleats, roadbed construction, backdrops, fascia.
Beg, borrow or steal a copy of lynn westcotts how to build model railroad benchwork. Basic model railroad benchworkjeff wilson 2002 stepby step. The book features layout construction, effortsaving ideas and more, bringing trackwork, scenery, operation. How to build model railroad benchwork has 2 available editions to buy at half price books marketplace.
Even though the trackplan is not 3d nor contains all of the mountains and tunnels, it still gives you a good idea of perfecting the measurements. The lgirder method is one of the best options for those looking for a sturdy yet inexpensive benchwork supporting structure. A guide to build your model railroad building building your. You should leave some benchwork area as a buffer for any new plans that become part of the layout. In this video i beging my layout expansion by demonstrating model railroad benchwork building a support wall. This book will help you transform your basic ideas of what you want in a model railroad into a workable, realistic track plan and overall layout design that you can then build. If you are new to building a model railroad benchwork, it is best to keep it simple. Albans railroad fellowship starr submitted by frank martin, starrs operations manager.
How to build model railroad benchwork linn h wescott. Now he tells the complete construction story using techniques any model railroader can use. Lynn westcott is the final word on the design of light, strong benchwork. Here is a sample of benchwork you could build at home. Oct 27, 2010 linn westcotts classic book how to build model railroad benchwork says. How to build model railroad benchwork book by linn h. Read download how to build model railroad benchwork pdf pdf. Basic model railroad benchwork, 2nd edition by jeff wilson. How to build realistic model railroad scenery by dave frary how to build realistic model railroad scenery a cookbook approach to creating scenery like an expert that delivers predictable results every time.
How to build model railroad benchwork2nd edition shows you how to build benchwork on a step by step basis. Follow along as author lance mindheim shows how to build these lightweight, yet sturdy shelves. The bymrr hobby center is our newest store owned and operated by fellow model railroaders, wearing different hats, to bring you the best model railroad products available at reasonable prices. An excellent book, if not the best, on support structures for permanent model railroad layouts. He doesnt give exact dimensions but gives you the knowledge to build benchwork for your needs.
Build the framework of your model railroadbenchwork. The lgirder method of building a strong and supportive benchwork has been very popular helping you create a frame on upon which you can put your subroadbed. David popp if youd like to see the entire construction process of a great model railroad step by step planning, benchwork, track, wiring, scenery, structures, and detailing follow along with the. Read download how to build model railroad benchwork pdf. Home model railroad hobbyist free magazine all issue feedback mrh 2010 issues mrh issue 10 novdec 2010 benchwork without tools 22 stories up benchwork without tools 22 stories up benchwork roadbed. In this collection of videos, you learn how the frame is planned and built, legs, subroadbed and fascia on an ho scale project railroad. This edition is the clearest, most detailed out there. The first chapter walks you through the planning of layout design.
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