(Traditional L-Girder and Flat Top)

The tools I use for the building of my benchwork are as follows.

1. Electric saw or handsaw
2. Jigsaw
3. Electric drill and screw driver
4. Square
5. Pencil
6. Tape measure
7. Builders level
8. Spanners to suit

The materials I use to build my benchwork are as follows.

1. Dressed pine as it it cheap but still strong enough to hold its shape and support most scenery and other model railway products.
2. Plywood for Flat Top construction and track bed.
3. For the major structural points I use nuts and bolts i.e. legs bolted to frames.
4. For the remainder of the construction I use screws i.e. L-Girder and Flat Top.

1. Decide on the size of the benchwork you are building and the number of legs required.
2. Decide height and measure and mark all legs, rechecking measurements after cutting the legs to size.
3. Cut frame pieces according to the size required and make sure opposing sides are of equal length.
4. Use the square to bolt 2 legs to one side of the frame making sure that the legs are square to the frame.
5. Repeat Part 4 to the opposing side of the frame.
6. Stand both frames up on their legs and join end frame pieces to the legs on either end making sure that all legs are square to the frame.
7. Stand the frame on its legs and use the level to check that all benchwork is level and all legs are of even height.

The Next Step In Benchwork

1. Most people brace the legs by attaching diagonal framework to the legs, however, I place a corresponding frame around the legs, the same as the top. This enables me to place a sheet of plywood on top of the lower frame to use as a shelf under the layout. It also makes the benchwork square both top and bottom.
2. The next step is to install either your L-Girders or your Flat Top. I use screws to attach these to the top frame constantly checking the level of the benchwork.

1. Measure the area where you wish to install the Flat Top and translate these measurements to your plywood.
2. Cut your plywood to fit the top of the frame and screw in place.
3. Check the level of the benchwork.

1. Using the frame as a base, measure and cut lengths of pine to fit on top of the frame as support for your L-Girders.
2. Cut lengths of pine for your girders and attach to cross-frame.
3. From the girders risers are then attached to hold the track.
4. Check the level of your benchwork.

Both types of benchwork only require basic skills of woodworking. Each type of benchwork has its benefits and its deficiencies. L-Girder construction, however, allows more scope for dramatic scenery.