Small HO Scale Layout Build - Ep. 3: Building a Benchwork Base
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
- Every layout, even small ones, need a solid base to build upon. This episode talks about how I built the benchwork for the small HO scale layout that I'm calling "The Grunge."
After considering the options, I decided to go with a product called GATORFOAM® for my benchwork base for its strength, rigidity and light weight. I've used GATORFOAM for projects in the past, but never for benchwork before. It turned out to be pretty easy! Join me as I build the base for a 15"x90" layout (using two 15"x45" frames), discovering some things along the way.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Deciding on Benchwork Materials
02:24 - GATORFOAM 101
03:15 - The Plan and the Materials
04:28 - Assembly: Assumptions
05:08 - Assembly: Measurement
06:00 - Assembly: Building the Frames
09:50 - Assembly: Drilling Holes for Hardware and Wiring
12:08 - Assembly: Attaching the Frames
13:42 - Wrap Up
If you've ever wanted to build a small switching layout but didn't know where to start, this series is for you! This series is all about how to build a small layout! There's a lot to think about when building a small layout, especially in a tight space, and we'll cover everything you need to know. This is the third episode in the series on building a small HO scale layout.
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Links:
"Gator Dave" Myers: gatorfoam.net/
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Track plan for "The Grunge" Layout: www.chessiemctd.com/the-grunge...
#switchinglayout #shelflayout #benchwork - Jak na to + styl
This is SPOT ON the money for us newbie's, You're doing this the way I need you too, don't second guess anything just keep doing these videos.
Nicely done Joe! Thanks for sharing..."Every model DOES deserve a great foundation!" GatorDave
Thank YOU, Dave! Next episode is the backdrop, so more Gatorfoam!
Thanks for posting Joe! Your work inspires those of us that would like to build a small MR layout.
Thanks for watching! I hope it's working!
I've used a similar product but it was for work purposes (retail design etc) and I have wondered to myself about using it for bench work, but never really looked into it...this is quite interesting! Thank you for sharing this; looks like it was a success!
I think so. I wouldn't build a large layout with it, especially if you planned to use plaster scenery, but for something small like this, I think it'll be great.
great update Joe...i see my shout out for you improved your sub count... congrats..KUTGW & thx 4 sharing... vinny
It sure did Vinny. I plan to be on tonight to thank people in person!
Pretty cool, I never seen a layout built from foam!
I know they've built modules out of it, but Gator Dave told me they used some wood in those to provide support since they'd be getting moved before. This one is all Gatorfoam, so we'll see how it holds up. I have run into something I need to fix, but that's a topic for another video. :)
Nice job!
I am building an a simple oval with spurs I’m on 4x8
Nicely done.
Very interesting and nice job. I just started a small switching layout in a corner and I'm using 2" pink foam with metal "L" brackets as the only support, and I'm already second guessing my method. I've been modeling for many years but never tried this, as I wanted a light weight option for bench work. I wish I knew about Gator Foam before I started mine. Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to more on this method of bench work. Dave B.
@ruatrainman2, I have heard of others trying this, and if I was doing a shelf I may have tried it, too. What problems are you running into, out of curiosity? I've considered doing part of my main MCTD layout that way, so I'd like to know.
@@ThePixelDepotLLC I'm modeling Southern California and the terrain is mostly flat, so I thought I could get away with laying the track directly on the pink foam. I do have the layout in a detached shop with no insulation in the ceiling and a swamp cooler in the window to cool off the train area on super hot days. Those two things coupled together are not good for the pink foam. Even when I let the cooler off the track buckled and came up. Cork roadbed is a must if you use pink foam. BTW I only used Elmers glue full strength to adhere the track down because my brand I purchased of Liquid Nails melted the pink foam. I hope this helps.
@ruatrainman2 Thanks for the info. You definitely need the Liquid Nails *For Projects* if you're using it with foam. I've used that for my main layout and previous layouts with good success. Sorry to hear about the troubles. I hope you can find a decent solution.
Watching this video 3 years after posting- 3 years later, would you still recommend this over traditional wood benchwork?
@@AustinMace I would for a small, portable layout like this meant to be placed on bookcases. I would recommend traditional wood branch work for anything that was much larger, would be subjected to a lot of rough movement, or something I tended to be more permanent.
@@ThePixelDepotLLC Thanks- this is for a shelf layout in a bedroom so traditional benchwork it is!
I have a short line railroad that I'm modeling that interchanges and extends as a peninsula in the middle of the room. That entire railroad will be modular/easy to set up, tear down and store under the main Class I that's around the walls. For the shortline this would be a great construction method. Thanks for sharing!
@@AustinMace happy to help!
Hi Joe…did you use insulfrog or not? Not quite sure how they work?
I use Insulfrogs, yes. They work by isolating the frog from the rest of the rail with plastic pieces molded into the turnout. This prevents you from having to cut the rail to provide a gap.
I missed where you talked about the cost of gator board
I’ll be honest, it’s not the cheapest thing going. But for a small layout it’s probably not much more expensive than lumber + foam. You can get prices at Gatorfoam.net. If you buy, they’ll Dave that Joe Parker sent you!