I've taken a long, hard look at starting even a smaller layout in N scale and come to the conclusion that - after so many years of not having had a layout - I'd be best with one of Mike's 2'x4' trackplans. Yes, tight radius and limited engine size, but I think it's the right way to go. It will be a good way for me to recover some of those long unused skills and have something portable. The foundation will be blue foam over a framework. 2'x4' is so small that I don't think it would require L-girder type construction so I'm going to go for a rigid frame. I was thinking of using aluminum studs (instead of 1x3 or 1x4 clear) for this. It would help make the layout lightweight. Anyone ever do anything like this?
I think steel stud would be a lot of extra work for very little savings. If you do a search this has been discussed recently with the consensus going against steel studs.
My club built a lot of their layout with aluminum/metal/steel studs, primarily because it was given to them. As I understand it, it was much faster to build with metal than to build with wood. I expect it was faster because these guys had the tools and knew what they were doing. I don't think it would be so fast with me. As to how it works, it seems fine. I can't tell much difference but our club layout supports were vastly over built. All wood: All metal support under this peninsula on the left. The upper part directly supporting the track area is wood.
I built a 2'x4' board that I am currently working with. I used 1"x4" to make a simple frame and put a brace in the middle on a 24" center. That is covered with a thin sheet of play and topped with foam. It is lightweight and very rigid. Metal studs also tend to have some sharp edges and if you are handling them while moving your layout, you have to watch the fingers. I would also be concerned about the rigidity of the metal studs. Show us what you come up with. Trey
Metal studs are very flexable. Like wet noodles. They get there rigidity from the sheet goods attached to them on both sides. On the plus side it could be used as the common bus.
Here is a thread devoted to aluminum/metal benchwork. http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/10703 Two minutes spent with Google will turn up a lot of additional information on this topic. - Jeff
