First Layout

[MattD]

Okay, goal for this thread is to show my new 4x8 setup as it goes along and hopefully document my mistakes and missteps so that other newbies starting for the first time can avoid my pitfalls! (And so I can avoid my pitfalls when I do my next set up!) As such, feel free to point out some of my potential mistakes, just please remember this is my first try.

Okay, to start, here's the bench work I put together. From reading online I decided to start with the "classic" 4x8. Not very original, but simple to start with. I looked at several setups online, and decided to go with a modified version of them. My problem was I only had a sedan for the lumber, so I could only carry 2'x4' plywood and 4' long posts/studs. What I eventually decided to do was build four 2'x4' frames to mount the plywood and then attach these together to form a 4'x8' setup. At each of the long side seams, I used 8x 2" drywall screws based on an online suggestion to use drywall vs deck screws. I used 4 of the same on each of the short seams. In both cases I put 4 screws in from each side. After that, installed 4"x4" legs (42" tall) using "L" brackets. It resulted overall in the long seams feeling solid, but the middle seam was a big saggy. To firm this up, I used a 2"x4"x4' piece with "U" brackets under the short seam. This plus a 2"x4" leg underneath the center fixed the sagging issue, but still left a wobbly table. I took 1"x2"x4' pine and made the cross supports between the legs. The result is actually a rock solid table despite the errors. Here's the lessons learned:
1. It's way easier to find a buddy with a truck and just get 4'x8'.
2. Deck screws work way better than drywall. I switched halfway through and will not go back.
3. 4'x8' might be "classic", but www.layoutdesigns.com points out there are much more efficient ways of using the space. Next time I will not make a 4x8.
4. A few extra bucks invested into metal brackets makes a much nicer and more sturdy product.
5. Bolting at the seams: would have likely been easier, more secure, and made the setup more portable.

Next Step: Finding a layout

 

[irocinblue89]

Looks like a great start. Nice heavy duty benchwork. Something I wish I had on my old 4x8. Keep us posted on the progress!

 

[Burlington Bob]

Just a note about using drywall screws in place of wood screws. Drywall screws are brittle compared to regular screws but will probably be fine for what you are doing. I don't think there is any reason to panic because the loads that will be present should not be that great. Just some food for thought.

I agree with Unfettered, that does look strong.

This comes from http://howstuffcompares.com/doc/d/drywall-screw-vs-wood-screw.htm

Drywall screws are harder, more brittle than wood screws and have a greater likelihood of snapping off if subjected to excessive lateral pressure. Although drywall screws can often be used quite successfully for carpentry and furniture construction, this fastener should not be considered as a generic substitute for the wood screw.

 

[LoudMusic]

I have had that exact experience with drywall screws. Though I was using them in higher load conditions than a train layout table. I've used plenty of drywall screws for benchwork with no problems what-so-ever.

That said, your benchwork looks really beefy

Good luck with your layout! I'm always jealous of people starting new layouts, as I'm so non-committal that I talk about it all the time and have yet to start a new layout in more than a decade

 

[MattD]

Thanks all! Unfettered, absolutely spot on. I will add that as a lesson learned: bolting together would have made it much more portable and stronger at the seams. And I appreciate the note about drywall vs deck screws - confirms my decision to stay with wood/deck from now on!

 

[MattD]

Okay, Phase 2:
Began with a list of things I wanted on my first layout:
1. Mountain with a tunnel (who doesn't, right?)
2. Industry area
3. At least one oval circuit
4. A small rail yard
Using these requirements I started searching online. Using a few forums I found a great website, www.layoutvision.com. On his website I found a great example of what I wanted. http://www.layoutvision.com/id48.html. However, I didn't really like the X-crossing, and I already had an engine house model that I really wanted to use. So, with that in mind, this is what I finally designed below.

Here's the lesson learned on this phase:
1. Listen to www.layoutvision.com! 4x8 is not a great layout space. I have to leave 3' on all sides to work, which means my 4x8 table takes up 10'x14'. I could have really put 10'x14' to much better use than a simple 4x8. For instance, 14'x10' layout with a U-shape cut out of the middle and no more than 3' deep would have let me reach all of the table space but a much larger and grander scale layout.
2. Make a list! List out your requirements, what do you want out of YOUR layout? I really think making a list of what features I wanted helped focus my search.
3. Every layout is a battle of many factors: too little and it's boring. Too much and it's too crowded. That's why I went with an already established and successful design and just did a couple minor modifications.

 

[Photogdad]

That table look great. Nice and sturdy. That is a good looking plan, but maybe put in a crossover so you can get to the inner/outter loop. Just a idea, but looking forward to seeing this progress. Good luck to ya.

 

[MattD]

Oh shoot, I forgot to add that. Yes, there are 2 crossovers! I'll mod the diagram tonight, thanks for the heads up!

 

[MattD]

Okay, corrected layout attached. Thanks for pointing that out!

 

[sd-26 chris]

As everyone said before "Good job on the Benchwork".