How to make your model train bench level

Bob’s been in touch. He shares how he makes sure his model train bench is level.

I think Bob got in touch after yesterday’s post.

It seems Rick’s “belt and braces” approach to his bench work struck a chord with a few of you.

And it’s not just Rick going to great lengths – Bob’s also doing a thorough job on his layout table.

(Here’s his last post.)

“In my last post I said I was going to do things right this time around.

So I got out my Bosch Pro Laser Level and identified that my new L-girder framework to take into account the slope in the floor.

The room originally was going to be a screened in patio thus the slope. I tended up full-blown 16’ x 28’ addition to the house. There is a difference of ¾-in in 8’.

model train bench

model train bench

I started with building an 8’ section and a 6’ section of framework. The two sections highlighted in this picture:

model train bench

The red line represents where I used the laser. I built four sets of legs, two sets for each section, and setup the laser at the high point.

I made the first set of legs so the top of the L-girder at 42” and lined up the lase with the top of that set of legs and then swung it to make that height on the 2x2s for the other legs of that framework and built that set of legs.

In the videos I watched about L-girder framework they recommend adjustable feet for the legs so you can avoid the use of shims as much as possible.

I looked up leveling feet and they are expensive to my way of thinking. One of the videos suggested tee nuts and hex bolts. I bought two 25 packs of tee nuts at $6.98 each and a box of 50 hex bolts for about $14.00. I put them on the legs:

model train bench

This will allow about 1-in of adjustment once the framework is put together which should be adequate since the initial height of the leg sets has been set with the laser.

After patting myself for saving by using hex bolts and tree nuts, I looked at the legs and thought: All the weight of the frame is going to be resting on four ½-in wide hex bolts. I studied the situation and decided I need to create wider feet for the legs.

My solution was to take a piece of 1×2-in left from the cross bracing and mark off squares and then use a ½-in forstner bit to drill holes in the center of the squares. The holes were the depth of the hex nut head.

layout table

I drove the bolts into the holes with a hammer. The dark strip on the bottom is a strip of whiteboard that I glued with contact cement with the smooth side down to allow the feet to turn easy on the carpet. Next I cut each block to make individual feet.

layout table legs


The finished product adds about 1and 1/2-in to the height of the legs.

layout table

As I go along I will submit updates and discoveries.

Bob, Virginia”

A huge thanks to Bob for sharing his model train bench tips.

Some of you may think this is a lot of effort to go to – but as Bob found out, getting your bench / table level is critical.

A table that is not level, uneven or wobbly table will slowly drive you insane and sap all of the enjoyment from you.

I’m with Bob: tables that aren’t level are the work of the devil.

Please leave a comment below and share your own thoughts – I’d love to hear them on this.

Now on to Wayne – I missed these last few pics from him before he disappeared on his bike trip.

I thought I’d post them because there are some layouts where raw enthusiasm just shines through, and Wayne certainly is in this camp.

If you want to get up to speed on his HO scale, his last post is here.

“The power & water shed has a very large vert. tank, to run the the diesel engines for power & water.

Across the road is the equiptment maint. shead.

I have work bench’s, a10 ton chain hoist,outside work benchs, & a vert.gas tank, one gas pump, & one diesel pump.

Stoped at a small train store in lompoc Calif.today. I went crazy. They had all kinds of HO rolling stock from a estate sale.

Wayne, The old biker”

HO scale

HO scale

HO scale

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming. To say it’s thin on the ground this end would be a big understatement.

And lastly, don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if you wan to get going on your layout.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Starting your model train layout

If you’re mulling over starting your model train layout, the best advice is just to jump in.

Planning helps, but you can think it over forever and a day and never even lay some track.

That’s why the topic I’m always banging on about most is: making a start.

And with that in mind, first up today is Rick, who is being very ‘belt and braces’ with his benchwork:

“Hi Al,

Some time ago I sent you an image of the layout plan I am building.

Well, on my next trip home, (I work away in NSW, but live in S Australia) so only get home every second weekend, I was able to get started on the bench work for the layout.

I have attached some photos for you to look at and share if you choose.

The access gate idea was from one of your contributors but modified to suit my needs. I have to allow for wheel chair access as my brother in law is confined to one.

Unfortunately, I will have to change my focus while at home for a while as it is only fair that I spend some time with my partner, and achieve some progress on house reno’s.

I enjoy getting the tips etc that you send through, so keep them coming.

Thanks

Rick
South Australia.”

starting model train layout benchwork

starting model train layout bench

starting model train layout table

starting model train layout base

starting model train layout

starting model train layout baseboard

start a model train layout

start a model train layout

start a model train layout benchwork


And now on to Alan who has also made a start:

“Dear Alastair i am not a big train modeller but every 5 or 6 years i seem to get the bug, so I decided to start a fresh project hope you find it of some interest.

regards

Alan”

start a model train layout

start a model train layout

start a model train layout

start a model train layout

start a model train layout

start a model train layout

Now on to Ron. He made a start on a model train layout a while ago… look at his N scale now:

“Hi Al,

My name is Ron, from manchester.

First of all i would like to thank you for al the hard work you must put in to keep us up to date with all the latest, etc, some really great layouts and tips from your subscribers, well done.

I hope you like my modest little n scale layout, this is my first attempt, all the buildings etc are card kits as you will probably know, i am a pensioner so got to keep the cost down lol, the location is of nowhere in particular, i just made it up as i went along, most of the other constructions are made from cornflake boxes.

It’s not finished yet, a bit of weathering and a few more vehicles, but the main thing is i have really enjoyed it , after all that’s what this or any hobby is all about.

anyway Al thanks once again , and keep em coming.

Ron”

n scale railway

n scale railway

n scale model train

n scale model railway

n gauge model train

n gauge model railway

n scale model railway

A big thanks to Ron, Rick and Alan.

All of them have one thing in common: they made a start!

It’s always good to gaze at a finished layout, I enjoy them as much as the next man, but they don’t happen unless you roll your sleeve up and get going.

And talking of which, if you want to start your own masterpiece,the Beginner’s Guide is here.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

Best

Al

PS Some of you seemed to have missed out on Steve’s HO scale retirement project the other day (I have no idea why).

If that was you, here it is again.

PPS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

HO model train cars

Tony’s been in touch. He’s used HO model trains cars, and a bit of imagination for a very fun layout:

“Hi Alastair,

The task was how to integrate my love of model railways and the grand kids desire to race their model cars around a race track.

Main board is 8’x4’ then extended across window into goods yard and made a loop back to main side.

Please see finished project which has us all happy now!

Love your posts and ideas from members!

Kind regards

Tony from Stockport”

HO model train cars layout

HO model train cars layout

HO model train cars layout

HO layout with race track

HO model railroad with race track

HO model train cars bridge

HO model train cars race track

HO model train tunnel

HO model railway with race track

HO model train race track

HO model train coal hopper

HO model train helicopter

HO model train house

HO scale model train freight

HO model train with race track

HO model train cars

HO model train cars

A big thanks to Tony for his HO model train cars fun! It’s easy to see why the grands kids love it.

Tony’s also reminded me of Sheldon’s layout – I think the helicopter reminds me of his bi-plane pic.

For me, I like Tony’s (and Sheldon’s) layouts so much because of a very simple point – both layouts have a theme. And for me, that makes the difference.

Readers of the blog will know I’m always banging on about two things:

1) Make a start

2) Have a theme in mind from day one.

It’s the layouts with a theme that always stand out…

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today’s the day you start your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.