Have a Cigar: Benchwork

Time to build the benchwork. Benchwork? Well, what else does one call the structure that supports a layout? It just seems absurd when it's an 8-inch square of foam board! But in this case, that's the essence of it. Knowing there'd be ballast bonding and scenery-making to come, I used 3/16-inch Gatorfoam (instead of traditional Foamcore) because it's water-resistant. I had a scrap left over from my Z scale layout construction, so it didn't cost me anything.



The primary component is a single square of Gatorfoam that I cut cookie-cutter style to make the subroadbed. I then added layers of Gatorfoam scraps to support the subroadbed and create the grades for the spiral of flex track. The layers were bonded together with carpenter's glue.



Like a layer cake, more Gatorfoam was added until I reached the height of the upper track. This marked the point at which layers above will be removable, to access both the hidden track and the power source—that being a battery holder—and so nothing more would be glued on.



This also marked the point at which I spray-painted the track. I used Rustoleum flat brown instead of my usual choice of Floquil Roof Brown, as I was fresh out of the latter. I also attached the "benchwork" to the cigar box with small wood screws so that the layout was both secure yet removable.



Next up will be the last step: scenery and detailing. I'm debating whether or not to install my working crossing flasher; I was going to use it on my suitcase layout, but now I'm not even sure if I'll finish that; I've had an urge to work in N scale, and I may re-purpose the suitcase for a little N scale layout. We'll see—at this point, anything is possible!