Our 2010 survey asked what you, our readers wanted in a layout. We compiled all of your feedback and we present this project railroad designed just for you. For the Readers’ Choice RR we chose a lightweight benchwork option that was new to us, and found that the Mianne benchwork system was an ideal solution.
Building the Reader’s Choice RR benchwork
By Kent Johnson | May 2, 2011
| Last updated on April 6, 2023
For the Readers' Choice RR we chose a lightweight benchwork option that was new to us, and found that the Mianne benchwork system was an ideal solution for many of our readers.
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Funny I wish my 52 year old bones could move like that
I would like all of you to get six of those, come to my house and set them up just like that!!! It does look easy and quick,sturdy too. NICE JOB!
I enjoyed the article and probably will start with a Mianne base. The video was very amusing. Thank you!
Like the idea, if I hit the lottery. For me, Home Depot 1/2 down the street and do the same for 1/3 of the cost or less.
The Keystone Cops are reborn!
I feel part of the joy of the hobby is taking responsibility for building the bench work yourself. I've experimented with various approaches and have learned much from my mistakes. I feel the most important elements are comfortable height, accessibility to all parts of the flat table, and a table sturdy enough to support a person's weight.
Now that funny!!!! Thanks for the laugh
It's just a little scenario indicating that the bench work is easy to build. If you want specifics that's what the manufacturers site is for.
Guys, guys, guys….
C'mon now – I know as a fellow O Gauger (and news subscriber to Classic Toy Trains), you guys are a lot smarter than what I've been reading here!
– Yes, this video was a humorous effort to demonstrate how to put this product together.
– No, I don't think that this is a weak or flimsy product; on the contrary, once a plywood top has been secured to this frame, it will be very strong.
As Arthur has already stated, they have a website – take a close look:
http://www.miannebenchwork.com/review_oguage.htm
And if you REALLY want the detail on these bench systems, you have got to read this PDF closely:
http://www.miannebenchwork.com/miannecatalog.pdf
After going through the doc on this benchwork, I have a completely different opinion on it, so much in fact that, if/when I get to retire in five years (?) and can do away with part of my home office, I've already measured out where I can put a small layout for my F-3s, GP-9s, post-war steamers and my other pets.
BTW, don't let the prices spook you too much. Consider the materials used, flexibility of the design of the system, then imagine yourself planning & running around buying materials to do this yourself. For me, uh uh – been there, done that, don't have the time to try to do this.
My 2 cents!
ok guys building bench work is not rocket science
a couple things to remember you can only reach the length of your arms,
so keep the width of your work within arms reach,now both sides count example a five foot wide table is fine, why you can reach 2.5ft from either side. building against a wall can only be reached from one side i would keep to 3 feet max. my arms are about 30 inches,can always get the extra inches standing on my toes
Height is also important trains like to b view at a nice level waist high is nice saves your back so thats how a easy bench work is done keeping in mi dthe height and width. happy tracking frank
Being in construction, and looking at some of these conections I don't think I would like to have to much rolling stock on this framwork if I had to move it.
looks ok – but – most of us train nuts put this together by ourselves. how much is it? how do we order it? are there holes in sides for wiring? lot of unanswered questions!
Is this a kit and how much is it. Need more detail before I would buy it. What size layout can it handle.
Nice little skit. Possibly a comedy. Maybe a magic act? So what were their little hands doing, as they whizzed around? Poof!! the pieces suddenly became a framework. Somehow, magic hardware appeared, to hold the pieces together. Interesting, but not very informative.rfc.
I went on their website and they do offer a varity of layouts, I am interested in the around the room layout,my quetion is as I run heavy engines will the layout support the weight ????
It maybe easy but I'm sure the benchwork is far to expensive.
Sadly, few people realize just how much remedial instruction I require. I was hoping to witness the assembly of the main table instead of the extension. I realize the process is basically the same, but I need exact step-by-step directions. Between the rapid-fire delivery and the lack of verbal information, I'm in no better position than when I finished reading the magazine article. I hope the construction process is as simple as it looks, but my past experiences with carpentry leave me unconvinced and somewhat reluctant to take a chance with the kit. Hopefully, I'm wrong in my assessment.
Kent!! I didnt see electric Screw Gun…You could have cut the time down
by 50% or more…LOL
I like benchwork I can crawl on if neccessary. I believe this would colapse if you huffed&puffed.
Great!
Even just a few vignettes in regular time of how this goes together would make this an educational video. Any possibility of a follow-up? Those contemplating paying several hundreds of dollars for this system would appreciate it.
It's entertrainment folks. Slo mo would be like watching grass grow. Happy New Year
It looks easy to put together, but how strong is it? It looks a little flimsy.
More information about the benchwork is in the Building Benchwork section of the project layout feature in the February issue.
And as I posted previously, Bob's Train Box 28, at around the two minute point.
The benchwork we assembled for this video was for the extension of the project layout, however, it is of a similar size as the basic layout. It took Kent and I an hour or maybe 90 minutes to assemble once we had all the parts laid out.
would loved to have seen this in slow motion..where to obtain this benchwork and the cost..please let us all know