| When you first become interested in model trains, | | | | There are two options available to you if you |
| it is easy to fall into the trap of rushing to lay | | | | wish to build the bench; build it from scratch or |
| down track and skipping the full planning process. | | | | buy a pre-cut and drilled kit to put together simply |
| As a general rule, it is always best to design your | | | | and quickly. |
| track layout before you start creating the real | | | | Starting from scratch, you will need to make a |
| thing. You will need to plan not only the model | | | | base, which will support the platform for your |
| train track, but also elevations, buildings, mountains | | | | layout. |
| and any other landscape details. | | | | It is fairly simple to do, if you have the right tools |
| Without a proper plan you won't have accurate | | | | and a substantial amount of patience. By creating |
| measurements to begin building the bench that | | | | two, strong L-shaped beams, using the L-girder |
| your model train layout will sit on. | | | | method, a frame can be put together quite |
| Think of it as though you were building a house; | | | | quickly. |
| without the correct foundations, the whole thing | | | | Once you have the two beams, attach them |
| will fall down. Work from the bottom up. The | | | | parallel to one another, using two more lengths of |
| most important foundation for your model train | | | | plywood. This rectangular frame can then be set |
| plan is the bench. | | | | on supporting legs. Ensure the entire supporting |
| The room you choose to create your bench in | | | | structure is firmly attached and you are ready to |
| should be completely ready to house your model | | | | move on. |
| train layout. | | | | Not everyone is good at woodworking. So, you |
| Model trains are no small thing! | | | | may wish to buy a kit and simply set it up in your |
| Check the lighting and condition of the room, as | | | | own home. This allows you to choose a pre-cut |
| well as planning, how you will manage the layout | | | | and drilled, technically accurate bench that saves |
| once it is set up. Try not to back the bench into a | | | | time. Depending on your skills and tools, it is |
| corner, unless it is shallow enough for you to | | | | certainly an easier option to buy a kit. |
| reach the furthest corner. | | | | The basic bench can then have a platform added |
| A large layout may require a hole in the center of | | | | to it. Use a thick sheet of plywood for a platform |
| your bench. This allows you to reach everything | | | | to lay your track on. Whether you choose to lay |
| around you as you stand in the hole. Think long | | | | your track and build the landscape around the |
| term. | | | | layout, or vice versa, is entirely up to you. |
| The main supporting structure can be on | | | | Some of the experienced model railroaders will tell |
| whatever scale you please. A complete novice | | | | you that you should create your landscape and |
| may wish to opt for a smaller, simpler layout and | | | | elevations before laying your track. I prefer laying |
| therefore requires a smaller bench. However, as | | | | the track first and then adding the landscape. It is |
| your interest and expertise in model trains grows, | | | | a personal preference. |
| so will your layout ambitions. | | | | Whether you are a complete beginner or a model |
| A sheet of plywood on the top of a table or | | | | train expert, every model train layout should have |
| work bench is a great way to start your model | | | | a sturdy, well-built bench. |
| train hobby. | | | | Take the time to plan before you start building; it |
| Alternatively, a solid built bench makes the | | | | will save valuable time when you get to the |
| perfect foundation for a complex track plan. | | | | exciting part of laying of the track. |