Modeling Information
In 3.4 Benchwork I identified that in Lynn Westcotts authoritative work How to build Model Railroad
Benchwork, he identifies two ways to frame the railroad layout and three
ways to support the track. Track support is the term given to the platform that supports the track on a model railroad layout.
In this page we will discuss the first of the three ways to support the track: Flat top track support.
Flat top track support is a simple solution, low cost, little or no construction skills necessary, and ease of building the layout. It can be of any size, however the flat top is generally no greater than 4' by 8', the size of the largest plywood panel.
Flat top track support may or may not have framing, based on whether the layout is considered temporary or permanent in nature. My first layout was flat top - a 4'x8' sheet of plywood that was placed on an unused pool table. My second layout was on wooden saw horses. My third layout was framed with open grid benchwork with wooden legs.
Track plans are readily available
for the beginner. Lots of track plans. My initial track plass came from several sources. Later on I referenced these, as well as other books, for layout design ideas.
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The WWSL
I have a flat top track support structure associated with the WWSL. I built a circular test track to break in locomotives and check rolling stock on a 4'x4' sheet of plywood. Originally the test track was mounted on saw horses during use, but now I have attached it with hinges to a plywood screen I built around the furnace for layout aesthetics and added folding legs for support. Much easier in handling when I need to do continuous runnings.
Construction
The local home improvement store had pre-cut 4 ft by 4 ft plywood panels. I chose the 3/4 in thickness.
- I painted the plywood panel on both sides with my brown (dirt) color to improve the ability to detect glitches and abnormalities in the locomotive's or rolling stock operation.
- I attached two 4 in hinges to the underside, they just happened to be surplus from the WWSL ver 2.0 layout. I have found that hinges smaller than 3 in don't handle the use very well.
- I attached it to the plywood screen, and confirmed horizontal level.
- I vertically leveled the plywood using a temporary (1 in by 2 in) leg. I measured for height and then cut two 2 in by 2 in pieces of lumber to length.
- I attached the legs to the plywood with a couple of threaded bolts.
Its not fancy but it is functional - and it reminds me of the first layout my dad made for me 50 some years ago.
Thank you Dad !
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