| One of the most enjoyable aspects of building | | | | your benchwork. Most layouts are one of three |
| model railroads is being able to create the scenery | | | | shapes: rectangular, oval, or circular. |
| around them, but, of course, this makes them | | | | The most widely used sizes for the legs of the |
| more permanent. When you have finally gotten | | | | table are about 28 inches but these can be |
| tired of setting up your train set around the | | | | distorted to meet your design specifications. |
| Christmas tree every year and then having to | | | | Whatever sizes or shape you choose, remember |
| put it away again once Christmas is over, you | | | | that the most important consideration in |
| might want to consider building yourself something | | | | benchworking is to ensure that your benchwork is |
| more stable. How? | | | | sturdy and can withstand a good amount of |
| The first step is what's known as the benchwork | | | | weight. |
| which is the basic foundation of model railroad | | | | Creating the Illusion of Space and 3D |
| trains. Model train hobbyists can either opt to buy | | | | When you build the actual model railroads scenery, |
| an already made benchwork or to build one. | | | | the goal is to make your layout appear bigger |
| However, buying a benchwork kit has several | | | | than it really is. You can try using different levels |
| advantages as they are precut and predrilled. In | | | | of scenery to help with this illusion. Consider too, |
| addition, they are stronger than a piece of | | | | the scenery for your model railway trains must |
| plywood on two sawhorses. Another advantage is | | | | mirror the theme you have chosen as your |
| you can also take your model railroads apart and | | | | landscape. |
| move them to a different location, whether in or | | | | You can really make the scenery look amazing by |
| outside the house. | | | | paying attention to details such as tunnels, grassy |
| Actually, crafting your own benchwork is a lot | | | | meadows, fields, rock formations, roads, and |
| more complicated and takes more time. The good | | | | bridges. You can also include towns or villages |
| thing however, is you have the chance to achieve | | | | packed with houses and buildings. Some hobbyists |
| exactly the look you want for your model train. It | | | | even include water features within their layout. As |
| is best to begin by creating a design for your | | | | showing off your artistic talent is one of the |
| model railway trains layout. You'll have to work | | | | reasons model trains hobbyists are drawn to this |
| out how grand you want your benchwork to be. | | | | craze, do not limit yourself in building dramatic |
| Consider how much room in your house is | | | | landscapes. Take this as an opportunity to wow |
| available to place the model trains layout, and | | | | your friends with your creativity. |
| decide what shape you'd prefer for the top or | | | | |