| Making model train scenery is a huge source of | | | | benchwork must be strong and able to withstand the |
| enjoyment for model train hobbyist. Building realistic | | | | weight of your train model. If you would like your |
| landscapes is a relaxing and very creative aspect of | | | | benchwork to be movable, here's a hint -- cut the |
| your model train. This article will discuss a few of the | | | | plywood into several pieces before you put together |
| basics of model train scenery and presents about the | | | | your benchwork. |
| first steps to building a train model. | | | | Perspective is a main feature when creating your |
| The foundation of your train is the benchwork. Train | | | | model train scenery. The purpose is to make your |
| hobbyists have two choices for benchwork: creating | | | | layout appear larger than it is. Try using various levels |
| your own or buying a premade benchwork kit. Buying | | | | of scenery to create this. |
| a benchwork kit has quite a few advantages. Precut | | | | For example, placing larger trees in the front of the |
| and predrilled, benchwork kits are stronger then a | | | | display and smaller trees to the back or on the tops |
| piece of plywood on top of two sawhorses. Kits also | | | | of mountains will help create this illusion. When |
| have the option of being easily disassembled, which | | | | selecting the items for the scenery, keep in mind the |
| makes moving them to a different space in the | | | | theme you selected for the landscape. For example, |
| home or taking it to a show much simpler. | | | | a logging train line could be running through rugged |
| Building your own benchwork is more difficult and | | | | snow covered mountains on its way to a near-by |
| does take more time however; you have the chance | | | | lumber mill. |
| to realize your ideal image for your trains. The first | | | | There are unlimited options for landscaping features |
| step is to create a design for your layout. | | | | in your model railroad scenery: tunnels, farm lands |
| To do this, you'll need to figure out how big your | | | | fields, bridges and roads. You can also feature towns |
| benchwork will be. Is it likely you may be adding to it | | | | or villages filled with homes and buildings. Don't forget |
| in the future? Bear in mind the space available for | | | | about the fine details of your scenery such as sign |
| your model railroad display. | | | | posts, billboards, fences, flowers, hedges, people and |
| Next step is to consider the shape you would like for | | | | animals. It's even possible to include ponds, streams |
| your benchwork. There are many choices such as | | | | or waterfalls. |
| circular, square, oval or rectangular. Typically the legs | | | | Creating model train scenery is an art. It takes |
| of the table are 28 inches but they can be altered to | | | | patience, thought and attention to detail to design a |
| meet your designs specifications. | | | | lifelike model. The imagination is the only limit to |
| The most critical thing in benchworking is making sure | | | | design possibilities. So enjoy building your model train |
| that your benchwork is solid and will support the | | | | and take pride in creating spectacular and realistic |
| weight of your model train. The best platform is a 3 | | | | scenery and landscapes. |
| 8 inch or 1/2 inch thick sheet of plywood. The | | | | |