| If you are planning an N scale model railroad, you have | | | | them as this will affect overall stability. Instead, bolt |
| many, many creative decisions to make, but it helps | | | | the legs to the framework using diagonal braces. |
| not to feel like there are any rules. Your layout will be | | | | Once the legs are in place, attach the surface material, |
| a work of art of your own design, limited only by your | | | | flip it over, and start building your layout. For surface |
| passion and creativity, not to mention the time you | | | | material, use only plywood, and not particle board or |
| have to spend. Before you begin building your layout, | | | | other material that may warp over time. |
| however, the first step should be to build a solid | | | | Size and Height for the Layout |
| benchwork to support your N scale model railroad. | | | | If you are just starting out, the recommended size for |
| Here is some basic advice on designing and | | | | an N scale model railroad layout is 3' x 5'. This is just |
| assembling this structure. | | | | big enough to keep it interesting, but small enough to |
| Building the Benchwork for a Model Railroad | | | | keep you from getting overwhelmed. You can |
| The term "benchwork" refers to the complete | | | | always expand the size of the layout and benchwork |
| structure that serves as a support for the model | | | | later on. Also, if you need storage options for the |
| railroad layout and all accessories. Usually it is one | | | | layout surface, anything from 3' x 5' to 6' x 4' will fit |
| structure, but it can also be built as modular units that | | | | nicely under a queen-size bed, which may please you |
| connect and disconnect to allow for options, and later | | | | and those you live with. |
| expansion or reduction of the layout. To build it, you | | | | In terms of height, many layouts work well with a |
| will need wooden beams big enough to handle the | | | | height between 2 and 4 feet, but make your own |
| weight of the model railroad, as well as your own | | | | decision based upon your own height, or the height of |
| weight if you plan to step or sit on the layout while | | | | small children with whom you may want to share your |
| you're working. Some builders use 1" x 4" beams, but | | | | model train experience. |
| typically 2" x 4" beams are ideal. | | | | These tips are provided with N scale model railroads in |
| Arrange the beams into a rectangle, matching the size | | | | mind, but can usually work in any other scale of model |
| of your planned layout surface. Lay down supporting | | | | train layouts. As you build your benchwork, consider |
| beams across this framework parallel to the short side | | | | that it is essential to the long-term function and stability |
| of the rectangle, with between one and two feet | | | | of your model railroad, so commit to making something |
| between each supporting beam. | | | | well built, level, and durable, and you won't regret the |
| You can plan to attach legs to the framework for an | | | | time you have spent on this step. |
| elevated layout, but if you do, do not nail or screw | | | | Want to Learn More? |