I bought a Kato super elevated V11 set 4 or 5 months ago and was experimenting with it to see how I can incorporate it into my layout. I used a $10 piece of Lauan Plywood to set it up on. I was getting tired of taking the track apart everyday and it wasn’t very flat, so I stiffened it up for a quick light weight portable layout. It only cost me $35 total for a 3x8x ¼” Lauan Plywood, four 8’ 1x2 furring strips, three 8' 1X3 Popular Board and a tube of construction grade liquid nails. I used a dado cut to set in the ¼” Lauan into the 1x3 outside frame to keep it flat. All the 1x2 framing underneath was glued in without any nails. I was going to use some screws to reinforce it after the glue dried, but never got around to it. Anyway I have two torn tendons in my shoulder rotator cuff, which causes me a lot of pain. I was carrying my ultra light 3x8 layout upstairs and dropped it as I was trying to pick it up over my head to turn the corner at the top of the stairs. My shoulder just gave out and I couldn’t catch it. It tumbled down the stairs knocking down a flower pot and gouging the wall. It also put a dent in my hardwood floor at the bottom of the stairs. I was absolutely amazed that the only damage to the layout besides a few dents in the wood was that all the turnouts and most of the unitrack fell off. I had used rubber cement to temporarily hold the track down so that I could easily remove it, otherwise I think the track would have stayed on. Luckily I did not have any other items like structures or landscaping, because from the way it hit the floor below, I’m sure they would not have made it. A while back there was a big discussion about what size wood to use to build a frame and I got to say that now I’m convinced that you DO NOT NEED 2x4s to build a layout. Ironically I was just looking at a layout on YouTube where someone used 2x6s and I was thinking how ridiculous that looked. biggrin:
Thanks! I had stepped out of the room for a minute and he managed to climb up there with the train still running, so grabbed my camera. Of course I’m always being accused of spooling him.
Geez, I didn't think anyone really used dimensional lumber that large for a layout. Talk about overkill!
A number of years ago my neighbor built a Christmas layout out of ¾” plywood and I believe it was 4x4s, if my memory’s right. It was so heavy that it took 4 of us neighbors to get it inside. He scraped it after that.
Not that it is necessary, but my layout is a permanent install and I used 2x4s because they were free. The 2x4s came from the walls I removed when I converted the room for a layout.
Johnny Sorry about the shoulder. I'd frame that picture and treasure it, that's childhood captured. I think for your purpose and for my next purpose your frame is gonna be perfect. Portability is there. I think I'm gonna use your plan there to expand my teenie little spot (I was thinking a sheet of oak plywood, a frame etc, but this is definitely a lighter option. There should be plenty of room to hide the wiring as well. Hows the noise? The TV is often on in the same room as my trains. I'm thinking this may spawn a discussion of how much framing you need once you start talking about scenery, more wiring, multiple years in a garage, etc, but for light portable and sightly (my trains are in the office/guest rm. Thats a great idea.
My layout id built from stuff left over from a remodel on a house the main frame is 2x4 and 1x3 the legs are 2x6 and the top a pice of wood sideing that was left and the cost was 0.00 I am going to change the legs. I love the pic of the kid on the layout Just got to love them.
I admit that I have used 2x4s myself because they were free. I used to work in construction and got a lot of free stuff from the dumpster. There is nothing wrong with that. I’m going ultra light these days because there are days when I have to use two hands just to pour a cup of coffee.
One of the reasons why I raised the outside edge a little was to keep derailed trains from hitting the floor. I did the same thing for the little guys O-scale train. He kept running it off the layout onto the floor until it broke.
I don't think anybody is knocking the "hey, the 2x4s were free!" train of thought. It's the argument that you *need* 2x4s or larger to build a solid MRR frame that is being challenged. I don't know how well it's going to work, but my plan is to use a 1x3 frame with either 3/8 or 1/2" plywood and 2" foam. I'm seriously considering losing the plywood altogether and using the 2" foam by itself. My modules will be "mounted" on Fast Track adjustable shelving, and will need to be easily removed and carried downstairs for any larger maintenance and scenery work.
Thats a great picture. Hope he's careful up there and when getting back down. All the people in the train had to be running around screaming at the monster about to squash them though. XD I am all about free stuff for benchwork. I have $80 invested in bought stuff, everything else was leftovers. I made 1x3s for the L-girders and the legs out of leftover birch and maple plywood from a kitchen remodel. Angle/corner brace triangles from old 2x4s and the one obtuse angle has a spare strap of 1/8th in. steel for reinforcement. I had to breakdown and go buy lumber for the leg braces and the under-foam cross-bracing for when I get the foam on there. The other $65 or so went into lag screws, nuts and bolts, and casterwheels & brad nuts. After seeing a few examples myself, 2in. of foam definitely doesn't need plywood reinforcement. I've seen plenty of modules with 1 inch foam and cross braces. They were maybe 3x4' and the 1x2 braces were approx. 18in. apart. I plan on using the same method w/ 2in. foam. Save my luan pieces for behind-the-scenes layout risers and stuff.
I have some 4x8 sheets of pink foam of various thicknesses, but since it’s not available in Southern Calif., I treat it like gold and don’t want to waste it. It’s not coming out until I’m absolutely sure of what I’m going to do. I have a Code 55 Layout in the planning for a couple of years now and I’m saving it for that. I’m driving to West Virginia in May for a wedding and I’m going to try to bring some back with me.
You shouldn't have any trouble finding it here (I live in KY and grew up in WV). Home Depot keeps the 2" stuff in stock by the pallet load, plus thinner versions as well (I think 1" and 1/2"). Lowe's as well. I think last time I checked it was $22.50 for a 4x8x2" sheet at HD. Ought to be interesting transporting it all the way back to SoCal, though. You driving a pickup truck?
Actually, he’s not allowed to do that. I picked him up and removed him immediately after taking the picture. This is exactly how I'm doing my future Code 55 layout.
I’m driving an extended cab pickup with a camper shell. The last time I bought some in Northern Calif and brought it back in the same truck. The only problem is that I can’t shut the camper shell door. It wasn’t a problem in California because there was no chance of rain. I may have to do some research an figure out the closest place to home and buy it on the way back so I don’t have to leave the door open too long.
My benchwork is all made from recycled wood. I prefer an open grid of 1x3s with plywood triangles to reinforce the corners. The road bed is elevated on short risers and made from pieces of 1/2 plywood laminated together. I like the way it makes for gentle height transitions. I have a lot of scrap foam that I use as building blocks for scenery. I just make the hills hollow.
