Video #1 Benchwork

This is a first in a series of videos that chronicle the process, tools, mis-steps and successes of the construction of my HO scale model railroad layout. This video shows how I built the benchwork. Future videos will detail track design, layout and scenery design/creation.

[@linafrandin8641]

Boy! I sure am happy to have found your videos! I now have a nice 4 x 4 + 4 x 2 + 4 x 4 first time bench to build the dream! Length 12'. You explain so well and make this an easy process! I just purchased 1/2 interior grade ply, saving up for garage door insulation!

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Thank you, Lina. I'm glad the videos were helpful. Best of luck in building your dream!

[@schadowolf]

Very well done overview and helpful hints! Thanks for sharing!

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

I'm glad you found it helpful, thank you!

[@wykedinsanity]

i use drywall screws cuz im cheap and me and wood screw dont get along, ill try deck screws with square drive at some point, a freind thaught me that in the 90s building my screen pornch cant strip square drive, yes always predrill, even with drywall screws in layout wood

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

I agree, I've used drywall screws on some some parts of the project and they work great! Thanks for watching and for your comment!

[@BASILPANAS]

I'm not familiar with the foam you used -- do you know if it's XPS, ie extruded foam?

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Hello Basil, Thanks for the question. I used foam made of EPS with a foil face on 1 side and a white face on the other side. This type of foam is actually used to insulate the inside of garage doors. Comes in kits containing 6 - 2'x4' panels that are 1-1/4 " thick. They were perfect for using on my benchwork because I created my benchwork modules that are 4' x 4'. A good quality product and very inexpensive. Thanks!

[@BASILPANAS]

Thank you, Ben.

[@williamcrawford4529]

Excellent video & construction techniques. As a novice I am wondering if your benchwork will support O-27 gauge? Thanks.

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Hello, thanks for the comment about the video, I appreciate that you found it helpful. When I was constructing the layout, there were times I literally had to crawl on top of the benchwork, and it held up perfectly to my 200 lbs. This framework is extremely solid and will easily support O-27.

[@kennethorrizzi3239]

hey Ben, loved your video on building benchwork, exactly what I need for my process to start my project, could you Please list the lumber required for each module, and length of the screws and any other components involved, that way I can make my trip to the hardware store complete ..Thank you, Ken

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Hi Kenneth, my apologies for the slow response to your question. For some reason the email notification failed to work that is supposed to alert me that I have a comment, and I just now read your message. In any event, here are the components for one of the 4-ft. modules. 2 - 2ft. x 4ft. 1/2 inch thick plywood sheets for the table top 4 - 1in. x 4in. boards used for the outside frame - each board is 4 ft. long 2 -1in. x 4in. boards used for stringer supports - each stringer is 2 ft. long 1- 4 ft. 2 in. x 2 in. board cut into 4 in. lengths for levelers (cut 4, 4inch lengths) 8 - 1in. x 4 in. boards, each one cut to 39 in. length for table legs (2 boards per leg) 4- tables levelers 1 - bottle of Wood Glue 1- box of 2 in. wood screws I hope this is helpful, if you need additional info. just let me know. Thank you, and again, sorry for the slow response. Ben.

[@ThruAWiderLens]

8:03 So nicely done!!!

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Thanks! I'm planning an extension of my layout this fall, and am glad I made this video so that I can remember how I made the bench work! It really is sturdy, glad I did it this way.

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

nice tutorial Ben. I liked and subbed. david

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Thank you!