Jim, Our small group of Foaming Rivet Counters has used 2" x4'x8' foam with a 1"x3" frame around the perimeter for several modular layouts. The bracing on the underside is 1"x2", run the 4' length. We use 1"x3" x4' lumber glued on the 1" side in between the 1"x2" bracing to make a slot for plastic sawhorses to hold the whole thing up. Both the bracing and the slot material run the same direction, the 4' length way. The approximately 2"x4" vertical top of the saw horse fits in between the slots we created with the 1x3" pieces, which creates a reasonably stable assembly when all boards are connected. We use C-clamps underneath to hold the modules together. This is harder to explain than it is to do. Thing is stable, and even I with several disc problems can assemble it by myself, although it is easier with two. I never have liked the over-engineered, heavy ply and iron wood assemblies that most clubs use. They are just too bulky and heavy. While those layouts will withstand anything but a direct hit, for me, the downside is just too, well, down. As in on the ground, which is what I would be after trying to hoist one of the things :) Roy Inman
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2006 18:49:33 -0400 (EDT) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [email protected] Subject: {S-Scale List} Re: Plywood Benchwork In a message dated 10/16/2006 3:37:39 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:tennsgauge%40aol.com> writes: I wonder if anyone can report on doing a module using plywood (maybe 1/2 or 3/8 inch) for the area of the layout that supports track and roadbed and accessories, but uses something lighter (like foam) for the remainder of the top ? Our 4 X 7 travelling SHS layout has a 3/8 plywood top, covered with 1/2" Homosote. Dumb idea, just adds weight in my opinion. 3/4" X 2.5" plywood works for us as side rails on the tops. Matched in size to dimensional 2 X 3's we started with. Supporting framework is 3/4" X 4" DOUBLED, glued and pinned plywood on sawhorse brackets, legs are 2 X 4's. Quickest way to set it up, legs are screwed to outer perimeter after tops are on framework. Maybe Jeff will take some picks when we move it. Jim Lyle [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
