subject: Tips For Designing Your Model Train Bench-work [print this page] If you are just starting out with model train building, here are some basic tips to help make your project as successful as possible. One of the first decisions you need to make when starting on any model train project is deciding the size and location of your bench-work platform. "Bench-work" is a model railroading term that refers to the platform on which you will be building your model train. This platform can be any size you like, but for beginners probably the best size to start out with is a 4 by 8 foot layout.
It is easy to create a 4 by 8 foot bench-work platform using plywood of the same dimension. You will find many easy to build plywood bench-mark plans online, since it is a standard size preferred by many model railroad enthusiasts. You also need to consider how tall you want your bench-mark table to be. Keep in mind that you will likely be spending hours working on your layout and scenery elements, so making it a height where you can sit and work is probably the best.
After you have decided on the size and height of your bench-work, you will need to decide where you want to locate the platform. Although you may be tempted to push it up against a wall, it is better to place it in a location where you can access it from all sides. You will find it very difficult to reach across four feet to the edge of the table against the wall otherwise.
After you have made all these decisions regarding the size, height and final location of your bench-mark platform you are ready to move onto the next step in model railroading: designing a model railroad layout to fit your bench-mark.
