Benchwork

My layout uses a couple of unorthordox construction methods that I developed to overcome the constraints of the available space.

The benchwork on my layout is nothing more than 1 ½" thick foam insulation board (the pink or blue stuff) bought at a home improvement store. This is supported underneath by a ladder-like structure of 1x4 (on edge) and 1x2 (flat) lumber. The foam is glued to the framework using latex liquid nails. I have found that I can span ten to twelve feet using this method with a minimum of support. Where a little extra support was needed I installed some 1" hardwood dowels attached to the 1x4’s.Roadbed is ¼" luan plywood cut to shape and glued to the top of the foam. The ties are glued directly to the luan. I have found that the luan holds spikes very well.

Scenic contours are built up from additional layers of foam glued on top of the base level and contoured using knives and a rasp. Depressions for rivers and the like can be carved directly into the base foam making for fast scenery construction. An added benefit is, when it comes to planting trees they can be pushed right into the foam – no drilling, no mess.

Lighting

I am a firm believer in bright layout lighting. I like being able to see the models, and find it easier on the eyes to have bright, even lighting. The double deck design actually lent itself well to installing lighting. I use cool white florescent lights in fixtures attached to the underside of the level above. I have adapted a bunch of fixtures from 8’ industrial lights and 4’ shop lamps to short under-counter appliance lights in order to cram as much light as possible onto the layout. Fortunately the florescent lights don’t throw nearly as much heat as incandescents, although the ballast do throw off enough heat to be noticeable after a while. One side benefit of all this light is that it makes photography easy – all of the photos on this web site and in my magazine articles are taken under normal layout lighting with no additional lighting used.

In order to hide the lighting tubes a bit I've installed thin plywood valances around the perimeter of each deck. These have the added benefit of acting as reinforcing members along the edge of the benchwork.

While not award winning shots, these photos provide a good view of how things are constructed on the lower level. You can see the underside of the upper deck along with a twin-tube light fixture salvaged from a remodel at the Branchline plant! These photos also illustrate how it becomes neccesary to become familiar with Photoshop if you want to photograph a multi-deck layout!