Build a model train layout: Model railroad benchwork train table how to WGH Part 1

[@bunnyking6163]

My father and I bought this video back in 2004 when I just started model railroading and this was a big help.

[@dbpro12]

I am so glad I read your post. I am new to this after a 25 year hiatus, and I am looking into making some kind of layout, but I didn't want an "island". Love the idea of running it along the wall. I spent $600 on a Bachmann Steamer and sure as hell didn't want to run an oval.

[@docr7913]

I thought Mr. Gross worked at the TV station? I went to school with his son Alex, what a smart kid. I had the biggest crush on Malerie, but she was dating some ruffian. Oh well, win some, lose some. 80s rule. Good video guys.

[@billnye7183]

lol whut

[@Hockey47Mitsch]

This is a very good 'How to' video

[@dkcarey1]

This is a great table, the one I built, took me a full Saturday to do it with the help of my 6 year old. I wouldn't consider myself the best woodworker, just average joe level. The original plans are out of the pamphlet/book "Easy Model Railroading Tables for Your Trains" by Kalmbach. Cheap buy and well worth it. Though I thought I remembered pilot drilling holes and using sheetrock screws. My memory is foggy not standing in front of it. Anyhow its a great simple design to build for anyone.

[@Peasville]

I think this is a good way to build a layout with ply.

[@mxferro]

if you google search look for the book titled "shelf layouts for model railroads" its done by an Englishmen as they are tight on space over there but then again its starting to happen more and more over HERE, as alot of people don't have big homes anymore or basements, maybe even more family members in the house now. I also works good for being able to turn your "office" or spare bedroom into the layout room and STILL have those things in there. MR magazine has had a few articles in past year

[@traingp7]

If your doing your first layout you might want to save yourself the trouble and use doors for your layout with the foam mounted on top. Doors have their own built in frame and all that is needed is to install legs on them. For the first time railroader using doors for your layout is the fastest and easiest way to get your layout up and running. It is alot easier than doing all this work for a simple 4x8 layout.

[@bullettube9863]

Birch plywood is used mostly for building cabinets and is the most expensive plywood you can buy. Dimensional #2 lumber, which has fewer and smaller knots, is much cheaper to use. Select pieces that have no knots on the edges! Use 1/4in luan plywood, it's very fine grained which is why they make interior doors out it. Or you can just use plain 1/4in interior plywood (sanded,one side). Never use exterior plywood, it's treated with preservative chemicals and is not sanded smooth on either side. The most essential tool you'll ever own is a carpenters square, plus a sliding square with a built in level. You can buy pilot drills which drill the hole plus the counter sink in one operation.

[@davidcurtis5398]

Agree... I used A/C 3/4 ply and face frame screws and have had no problems at all.

[@TONY_FEZ]

Great work however not sure why you wouldnt buy an existing table - something like a trestle table that can be easily packed up. Unless of course you have an unusual size in mind.

[@aidanedwards546]

I don't know how to lay down model train track but I do know how to lay down tracks in the toilet. Great tips #choochoo

[@afiwubh4go9aiosugb]

cool i think im gona do it when i get the train

[@Hornhausen]

nice video

[@jamesscarlette8491]

*MODEL TRAINS FOR BEGINNERS* *_Safe Redirect =>_* *model-trains-for-sale.blogspot.com* *****

[@radnusrider]

Great video , If anyone else is searching about how to make n gauge model railway layouts for sale check out *Awsomic Railroaders Club* (search on google)? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my co-worker got excellent results with it.

[@seagraver]

I built a series of four 4 ft x6 ft tables and a connecting apron using this constructions method. I used 1/2 inch plywood for the construction of the table frame, joists (crossmembers), and the legs. The legs are actually are built with two pieces of plywood forming a 90 degree angle with a 6 inch piece of 1 inch x1 inch at the bottom to provide a mount for the leveling foot. The table decking is 1/4 inch plywood. I used construction screws and pre-drilled all of my holes. The tables are extremely sturdy and are more than adequate for the job. I weigh 180 lbs and I have sat in the middle of at least one table section multiple times to perform tasks with no issues at all. You don't need 3/4 inch plywood for benchwork for HO scale layouts.

[@wookychewbacca5184]

I know this video is old and I tried their method, wasted a sheet of plywood from the plys splitting. I'll be returning to the wood yard tomorrow for some 2x4s for the frame and legs for my train table, I'd be running the bare minimum of track I have if I'd gotten 2x4s to start with

[@philipa6409]

Hi, I went out and bought everything to build a table like this because I like the looks of it. I was able to get everything, except for the one part listed, 4x 48" 1/4" x 1 1/4" wood molding. What is this exactly? I couldn't seem to locate it at Home Depot or Lowes. Thanks

[@shullln]

Some might scoff, but I made a similar table but put casters on the legs so I can roll the table and move it if necessary.

[@elleryparsons5766]

When I got Back in model Railroading I screwed my tables together the height on my ho , n scale are 30 inches my wife's ho is 30 But the n scale is a little higher she need Kato n scale track. When got Enough track it's gonna be awsome as hell.as always.

[@sandraj.syx-spears5218]

i lost my layout, rolling stock, books, and tools to flooding. i find it'll be less expensive to buy Sievers modular bench work than replace all those tools.

[@ashevilletrainman6989]

yep.

[@kelvin9918]

lol i took a week to do finish this table but then the work is worth it

[@fatl3oy]

Watch out!! I found out after I started making this... There is a pretty significant error in this video... it calls for 4 48" molding pieces to be used as cross pieces to support the legs... they will actually need to be at least 64" to cross the distance between the legs on angles. They wisely cut out the section of the video that shows them using 64" pieces while Michael Gross keeps calling them 48". ugh.

[@patrickh6579]

Matt Kuntzmann I wish I had read this before I cut all my wood molding to 48 inches. 🙄 Now I’m off to my 4th trip to Home Depot for this project. 😣

[@lilianamedina6635]

I\'m not sure but ,if anyone else trying to find out how do you make a model train layout try Megarno Railroad Membership Magician (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my mate got cool success with it.

[@eylaanaya4074]

Just wonderful, I have been researching "model railway baseboard construction" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Piyaliyah Uncommunicative Preference - (search on google ) ? It is an awesome exclusive guide for discovering how to build a model train railroad easily without the normal expense. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my m8 got amazing results with it.

[@MrIliff]

@ModelloursWorkshop I'm not expert at all, but isn't their a reason to use nails over screws?, - heat expansion, nails can expand and contract with room temperature better than screws, of course if you did the job professionally you would leave "expansion gaps". Not certain on this but just a thought?

[@MrLocomechanic]

how much did it cost all together to build this? not tools just materials???

[@springdaleia]

I've watched this video over and over, plus, part 2. WHAT is the 1/2" drill bit for? I can't see where it was ever used. Anyone???

[@cleggydadon]

I just got mdf and made legs got screws just big enough not to go through both leg and mdf this is to much messing but very good

[@jonnyspeed]

Tite Bond wood glue and clamps eliminate the need for all those nails. Or just use screws, a countersink bit, and no glue and the whole thing can come apart later if needed.

[@kyrcreruly]

Is this on dvd or caset(vhs)

[@InobuZ]

Here is the problem.... Simplifying a complex task leads to frustration and failure. The video points you in the right direction to complete the task but the material and method used brings the longevity of the finished project to question. The amount of time required to build a layout warrants quality craftsmanship and material. If not its just a matter of time before the headache force you to quit. Those little nails do nothing for the construction but give a false sense of security. Wood glue need a clamping force to hold it together and create a fusing type bond. You can see the frame flex when they pick it up in the next video. Because the frame is weak the trouble will surface down the road. You want to use screws and glue. I use pilot holes and then dip the screw in glue and slowly screw it in. This causes not only a clamping effect but locks the screw in as well. If you build the frame strong enough you don't need the plywood. After the table is moved a few times it will flex most likely lifting the track off the roadbed. This will cause the track connection to breach and power issues to start. The video is an overview on what it takes to build a layout but not the best practices to build one.

[@kellyhedberg2849]

do you have a train room? if you do can you show it

[@inthegameroompodcast]

The conversation about screws vs nails is a moot point since everything is glued. The nails/screws simply hold everything till the glue dries. In theory you could take them out after the glue is dry. ..... nobody would, but you could.

[@kevinmcgarry7137]

I built mine much the same way but used woodland senics it works great

[@waldenhouse]

Gosh, this looks very flimsy. I suggest 2" x 1" (50mm x 25mm) screwed and glued with all holes drilled with pilot hole, clearance hole, and counter-sink, also diagonal cross-bracing. This is the minimum requirement in the UK if you want something substantial and permanent!

[@conorfahey4531]

Gee everybody seems to be having great results with awesome railroaders club and they all seem to think the same about it

[@ashevilletrainman6989]

Let me get some things straight. YOU DO NOT NEED NAILS U NEEED SCREWS THEY SOLV EVERYTHING

[@clangaman2810]

Nails could work, but I'd prefer screws. Lasts longer than nails in my opinion.

[@Senna_Rainman]

The Aussie Scout Man interesting points ,if anyone else needs to find out about how to build a model railroad layout try Megarno Railroad Membership Magician (just google it ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my colleague got excellent success with it.

[@johnsonazorlibu7890]

The Aussie Scout Man hi everyone ,if anyone else trying to find out best model railroad layouts try Panlarko Amazing Railroad Planner (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my buddy got great results with it.

[@1BlubeTube]

+The Aussie Scout Man Yeah, screws are all I would use, and thicker wood too, those boards should have been 3/4" thick. The plywood is thick enough.

[@LEON13858]

is there anywere i could just buy a table like this instead of making it as my woodwork skills really aint that great.

[@ricashbringer9866]

Their measurement for width works if your 1/2" plywood is truly 1/2". Actual thickness is usually slghtly less. So be sure to take that into account.

[@JtagSheep]

It always seems that the american layouts over do it with the 4 inch L girder construction and 2x2 legs haha but this one is pretty flimsy to be fair. I am also Uk and my baseboards are made frome 4x1 timber and the tops are 9mm mdf :).

[@davidcurtis5398]

Actually, all of the holding power is in the glue. You can (and I have done) remove all of the screws after the glue dries - that is if you use a good carpenter's glue and not Elmers. The good carpenters glue makes the bone much stronger than the wood.

[@davidcurtis5398]

Also when using face frame screws you can move a cross piece slightly if it is in the way of any switch machines instead of sacrofising the layout above. The top is glued around the edges and the cross pieces are screwed in on the sides and to the table top.

[@bullettube9863]

I always tried to make sure that no screws were buried by scenery or track work, in case I needed to make changes later.

[@ashevilletrainman6989]

I wouldn't... unless you are having problems with the track... or anything else. MAKE SURE YOU USE ACTUAL WOOD GLUE IF YOU REMOVE THE SCREWS

[@ashevilletrainman6989]

But yeah I had problems nailing it in... LOL instead of 4 foot cross pieces I had 7 foot cross pieces so I had to get ontop of a chair ontop of a table and had a hard time reaching the nails with a hammer even then

[@klospue]

@jmsschooner no these measurements are for this example you can build it how you need it

[@timm2020]

1" x 3" Firing strips would be a better frame then this. I however would use 2" x 4" boards for the frame, then maybe 1" x 3" in the inside. Just looks too flimsy to me.

[@florin8055]

There are several components to building a railroad layout. One resource I found which successfully combines these is the Jareks Hobby Club (google it if you're interested) it's the most incredible plan i've seen. look at all the extraordinary info .

[@NatePetrill-w5t]

I would much rather make this frame using 2x4s.

[@LEON13858]

@NurseyNancy thanks.

[@TheSamarek]

Nails are at least double the length they need to be

[@josecrisalide2152]

There are a few factors in diy railroad layouts. One resource I discovered that succeeds in merging these is the Jareks Hobby Club (google it if you're interested) definately the best guide that I've heard of. look at all the super information .

[@RailyardProductions]

Check out my channel to see a video of me building my Model Railroad which is a double layer with mushroom design.

[@mxferro]

OK for everyone on here.. do not create this layout.. why? cause you lose out on having something that is better with space , scenery and materials. Take the 4X8 and cut it LENGTH wise.. 3 equal parts.. you then run this ALONG THE WALLS.. it is more realistic.. better usage of space (as it is not an ISLAND in the middle of the room and all spots can be reached) Looks better with scenery..not a big LOOP, and better usage of the materials. No one really does 4x8 sheets layouts anymore.

[@cedrickmoore5459]

The voice = Dad on Family Ties.

[@jonnyspeed]

That is totally untrue. Not everyone wants a point to point switching layout. There is a lot to be said for a good light weight 4x8. Sure there are other options, but you can't summarily dismiss the 4x8. There is a time and place for both styles.

[@demarm1]

@qomarguy yes

[@trainmandan05]

You know I wonder if Dick is still with Model Railroader.

[@GreatNo01]

Yeah, just grab your 6 foot metal ruler and this is a breeze. NOT! Don’t follow this video. The basic idea is good but it’s hard to implement the way they show. Use screws, not nails. Pre-drill and counter sink or the wood WILL split. If you use screws you can assemble laying out the frame on the floor. None of this “clamping vertically” business. Who has a clamp like that? Believe me, I followed these instructions and it didn’t go great. Doing the nailing of frame up in the air was difficult. My two cents.

[@jonnyspeed]

His name is Iaan Rice

[@koreyokeene]

wow if anybody had any brain they would have used 5/8 inch plywood and 2 sheets at that just to save them all the greff of thin super flexable wood that wont hold a nail or scerw

[@selx13]

Who owns all those tools. No way i am I going to go out and buy all that just to run N gauge trains.

[@davidcurtis5398]

Simple... Just buy factory made modules.

[@selx13]

David Curtis thanks.

[@bullettube9863]

No need to buy power tools, hand tools are just as good. Plus, many home improvement stores will cut some or all of your stock for you. Especially plywood, it can be cut at the store to make it easier to transport and handle.

[@DavidAmmerlaan]

nails. skip

[@rickyponting1410]

He uses styrofoam

[@cedrickmoore5459]

Black & Decker = Ha Ha Ha.

[@sirajmuhammad87]

how are you , If anyone else wants to find out about how to build a model train layouts for sale try *Awsomic Railroaders Club* (do a google search)? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my brother in law got great success with it.

[@cedrickmoore5459]

Safety Glasses = Ha Ha Ha (sad).

[@arminali6464]

hey ,if anyone else needs to find out about building a model railroad layout try Panlarko Amazing Railroad Planner (just google it ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my co-worker got excellent success with it.

[@rhikdavis]

No he didn't.

[@karendjones19]

interesting video , If anyone else is searching about how to build model railway layouts check out *Awsomic Railroaders Club* (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate got excellent results with it.

[@88brigate]

I\'m not sure but ,if anyone else trying to find out how to build a model railroad layout plans try Pycanta Model Railroaders Protocol (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my brother in law got great results with it.

[@annagander-lumbres8146]

#GreatestHobby hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to discover how to build a model railway layout try Pycanta Model Railroaders Protocol (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my cousin got amazing success with it.

[@sandraj.syx-spears5218]

i lost my layout, rolling stock, books, and tools to flooding. i find it'll be less expensive to buy Sievers modular bench work than replace all those tools.

[@rhikdavis]

Me too. Actually I didn't lose it, but it was underwater for several hours. I still have rolling stock with mud on it from that day.