11-03-2010, 06:13 AM
Hi Rob,
While laminating more layers in the same plane as the top "deck" will give you more strength (think plywood), you need to start adding some framing at right angles and a bit of cross-bracing to engineer some strength into the layout.
Perhaps you should think about framing the outside of the layout with 1x4 (nominal or ripped from 3/4" plywood) and adding some cross-members. Check out this site for some ideas: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.railwaybob.com/Modules/ModConstr/ModConstr01.htm">http://www.railwaybob.com/Modules/ModCo ... nstr01.htm</a><!-- m -->
Bob is one of the "module guys" at my local club (<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.hotrak.ca">www.hotrak.ca</a><!-- w -->). He has modified his methods somewhat since creating the web site, but the principles are the same. You should be able to easily support 2" foam with a frame that has 24" to 30" spacing. Two other advantages of an open frame approach are that 1) No wood to drill through for wiring and 2) the 4" high frame leaves 2" underneath to conceal said wiring, tortoises, and anything else.
Andrew
While laminating more layers in the same plane as the top "deck" will give you more strength (think plywood), you need to start adding some framing at right angles and a bit of cross-bracing to engineer some strength into the layout.
Perhaps you should think about framing the outside of the layout with 1x4 (nominal or ripped from 3/4" plywood) and adding some cross-members. Check out this site for some ideas: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.railwaybob.com/Modules/ModConstr/ModConstr01.htm">http://www.railwaybob.com/Modules/ModCo ... nstr01.htm</a><!-- m -->
Bob is one of the "module guys" at my local club (<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.hotrak.ca">www.hotrak.ca</a><!-- w -->). He has modified his methods somewhat since creating the web site, but the principles are the same. You should be able to easily support 2" foam with a frame that has 24" to 30" spacing. Two other advantages of an open frame approach are that 1) No wood to drill through for wiring and 2) the 4" high frame leaves 2" underneath to conceal said wiring, tortoises, and anything else.
Andrew