railfan
junk collector
One thing I've noticed while exploring model train forums and sites is there are so many good and different ways to build a layout table and a variety of available materials to use for very little money.
Since beginning my first layout table using a slab door covered edge to edge with 1/8" cork, I've seen some other effective and very inexpensive materials I will try out on my next module. Figuring out how to glue the cork sheets onto the door so they stick permanently while getting them aligned and straight took a bit longer than I hoped, but in the end it worked ok. Now that I've done it...should be easier next time (ask me if you want some tips on this). I thought this would be less time and effort than cutting cork roadbeds and laying them under the track, but either could have been done in roughly same amount of time.....that is......if your track design is ready to go. Mine was not.
Another reason for avoiding raised track beds, mountains, grades, etc., at this stage....this being my first layout I knew some track changes would be happening for a while until I settle on something I like that works....and get the wiring and polarity rules figured out. There's going to be a big freight yard with many switches. Next module can be for learning to do more landscaping.
Back to the topic, the 36" x 80" door ($24) is an ok way to go and I did not have to use a saw to cut anything in the winter outside since I have an apartment. Now it's already 70-75 degrees in March so cutting 1" x 3" lumber on my porch for the table frame and legs will be easy.
Some folks have lots of room and resources which is fine......but for now I'm enjoying how N scale, being small and lightweight, obviously can work well without heavy duty structure and mega framework. At Lowes building center I get bundles of six 1" x 3" x 8 foot sticks for $8 or less, to make light yet sturdy support frames and table legs....and to use as fascia and to make a lip around the table edge to keep train wrecks from falling off onto the floor.
Lately I've seen more pictures of layout platforms made with celotex fiberboard that comes in 4' x 8' sheets for around $9. This material is also called soundboard since it's made for sound insulation in buildings and has a similar effect as cork for reducing train noise. Some HO people with bigger layouts use a plywood base under the celotex.....but for a cheap and quick medium size N scale table you could use a few extra cross supports and just the celotex would be fine. Of course you wouldn't want to store firewood or barbells on top of this.....but after all it only needs to hold N scale stuff.
I bought some new-tech self drilling and counter-sinking wood screws that should go right through the soft pine one-by frame sticks without pre-drilling. These screws are a bit pricey though at $8 per box of 100....but they work great and save time. You could use drywall or deck screws for less money.
So if you're considering building an N scale layout table.....with these low cost and lightweight materials....you'll have an adequate, functional table and frame....and easily stay within budget.
Since beginning my first layout table using a slab door covered edge to edge with 1/8" cork, I've seen some other effective and very inexpensive materials I will try out on my next module. Figuring out how to glue the cork sheets onto the door so they stick permanently while getting them aligned and straight took a bit longer than I hoped, but in the end it worked ok. Now that I've done it...should be easier next time (ask me if you want some tips on this). I thought this would be less time and effort than cutting cork roadbeds and laying them under the track, but either could have been done in roughly same amount of time.....that is......if your track design is ready to go. Mine was not.
Another reason for avoiding raised track beds, mountains, grades, etc., at this stage....this being my first layout I knew some track changes would be happening for a while until I settle on something I like that works....and get the wiring and polarity rules figured out. There's going to be a big freight yard with many switches. Next module can be for learning to do more landscaping.
Back to the topic, the 36" x 80" door ($24) is an ok way to go and I did not have to use a saw to cut anything in the winter outside since I have an apartment. Now it's already 70-75 degrees in March so cutting 1" x 3" lumber on my porch for the table frame and legs will be easy.
Some folks have lots of room and resources which is fine......but for now I'm enjoying how N scale, being small and lightweight, obviously can work well without heavy duty structure and mega framework. At Lowes building center I get bundles of six 1" x 3" x 8 foot sticks for $8 or less, to make light yet sturdy support frames and table legs....and to use as fascia and to make a lip around the table edge to keep train wrecks from falling off onto the floor.
Lately I've seen more pictures of layout platforms made with celotex fiberboard that comes in 4' x 8' sheets for around $9. This material is also called soundboard since it's made for sound insulation in buildings and has a similar effect as cork for reducing train noise. Some HO people with bigger layouts use a plywood base under the celotex.....but for a cheap and quick medium size N scale table you could use a few extra cross supports and just the celotex would be fine. Of course you wouldn't want to store firewood or barbells on top of this.....but after all it only needs to hold N scale stuff.
I bought some new-tech self drilling and counter-sinking wood screws that should go right through the soft pine one-by frame sticks without pre-drilling. These screws are a bit pricey though at $8 per box of 100....but they work great and save time. You could use drywall or deck screws for less money.
So if you're considering building an N scale layout table.....with these low cost and lightweight materials....you'll have an adequate, functional table and frame....and easily stay within budget.
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