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Model Railroad Layout Designs Constructing your first model railroad table can be a fun and exciting time. Visions of a dream layout complete with awesome scenery, structures, locomotives and rolling stock is a dream-come-true for most model railroaders. Aside from the customary fun and excitement of building a train layout, pulling it all together can at times prove to be a daunting undertaking, especially for the beginner. As with any undertaking, there are a number of elements that must be taken into account. While it is not the purpose of this page to be an exhaustive list of considerations, supplies, or materials required, I will list a few of the more obvious things to keep in mind when building a model train table. Model Railroad Layout Considerations The first and probably most obvious consideration would be space requirements for your proposed model train project. What size train table do you intend to build? Because of its size, N scale trains lend themselves well to apartment dwellers and others cramped for space. It’s my guess that if you’re on this site, N scale trains are your chosen model railroad scale. Building Model Railroad Benchwork Another thing to think about when planning a model train layout is your ability and desire for carpentry or benchwork. For the inexperienced “non-woodworker” type newbie, model train table construction is probably the most daunting task the novice model railroader will face. I know it was for me! Whatever you do however, don’t let the benchwork scare you! With a little persistence, determination, and the appropriate tools; you can do it! It’s really not as challenging as it seems. Of course I'm talking about the standard beginner model railroad table. My first benchwork project, like most newbies; was a flat 4’ x 8’ train table. At the time, getting the initial ball rolling seemed a smidge hairy at first. In retrospect however, it was a very easy project to complete. Once it was finished, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment for a job well done. If you ultimately decide that benchwork isn’t your forte’, don’t fret over it. There are easier ways to build a train table from scratch. Because of its size, N scale lends itself well to the “easier” alternative. N Gauge Layout Benchwork N scale model railroad layouts can be constructed on a number of surfaces including coffee tables, briefcases etc... You name it, and someone has probably built an N scale model railroad layout on it or in it. One of the most common foundations for a beginner N scale layout is a 36” x 80” hollow core interior door. These hollow core doors can be found at your local lumber or home improvement store. Wherever you ultimately decide to purchase your door, make sure it’s flat and free of warping. Once you’ve located the perfect door you’ll need to do a small amount of benchwork to get it ready for your layout. Exactly how much benchwork do I have to do? • Add table legs • Add border to support scenery • Add backdrop (if you want) That’s pretty much it! With the addition of legs and a border around it to hold your scenery, you have enough surface space to build a really terrific N scale layout.
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J. A. West is the developer for multiple product and informational websites. One of his most popular sites is www.n-scaleonline.com/N-Scale/bachmann-trains
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