NarrowTracks

Benchwork

Overview of basic Eastern Logger module (by John Burchnall)

The Eastern Loggers layout is composed of modules.  Each module consists of 5 major components:

1. 2x2" wood legs, which are self standing and fit in slot in the frame.

2. 1x4" "Inverted L-girder" frame.  Actually, it is a true upright "L".

3. Foam Board for scenery and roadbed support.  The grades for the roadbed are carved directly in to the foam and the roadbed is layed directly on top.

4. 3/16" or 1/4" Upson board roadbed.  At present, upson board is no longer available.  Possible substitutes are Homabed, Luan Board (like the doors, not the plywood), or homosote.  Grades carved directly into foam may have imperfections (dips and humps).  A stiff roadbed is needed to smooth out the imperfections.  Cork is too flexible to cover the dips, Homabed is questionable, upson board was perfect.

5. 1/8" Masonite fascia boards.  The masonite is screwed and clued to the side of the module.  Wood blocks are glued into the foam for screws.  Not shown on the drawing are corner blocks.  These are 1x2's placed vertically into the corners of the module, they make the corners square.

Additional Notes:

• Always use foam compatible glues when gluing layers of the foam.  

Under view of a module (by John Burchnall)

The under view shows the slots where the legs slid into.  Leg stops (4) prevent the legs from pushing directly agains the foam. The cross brace (5) on the bottom of the module is not needed.  The foam provides a sufficent stability.  Note, the design provides for leg extensions.