BendTrack - The Manual pg4

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The BendTrack Manual -- Benchwork Standards

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There are many construction methods that might seem suitable for module construction, however, it has been our

experience that only a couple stand up to the rigors of module transport and assembly. Module frames should be made from

either nominal 1 x 4 pine lumber or plywood cut into similarly sized strips. Depending on the length & width of the module, as well

as the bracing in the frame, 1/2" or 5/8" plywood should be used for the framework. 1/2" plywood is suggested to be secured to

the top of the framework. Therefore the overall height would be a minimum standard of 4".

While 1/2" plywood is recommended for rigidity, homosote, suspended ceiling tile, or rigid insulation foam can also be

used to reduce the weight of the module. If such material is used for the top, the framework should then be made more sturdy

and the lightweight top material should sit down into the frame so the soft edge will not be exposed to damage.

The Module Frame & Top

Legs should be built to a length which allows the modules to adjust to

a standard rail height of 50" on uneven floors. However, you may choose

any height which fits your needs. This height (50") was selected to give a

more realistic vantage point for viewing the modules and has received

quite a few compliments from the viewing public, some people saying that

they felt they became much more a part of the scene.

We have found that legs built in an "L" shaped configuration made

from 3/4" lumber seem to work best. The "L" shape eliminates the warping

effect that is a problem with legs that have been made by ripping a 2 x 4 in

half. A block of hard wood cut to a size of 2 1/2" long x 1 1/4" square with a

hole drilled clear through the length will allow a carriage bolt to thread

through for leveling. This block should then be glued and nailed flush with

the bottom of the leg. Be careful not to drive a nail through the hole in the

hardwood block. A "T" nut (5/16" x 20 preferred) and no less than 9/16"

threaded shaft should be driven into the hole. Then, threaded carriage bolts

with a length of 3" to 4" should be screwed into the bottom of the legs with

1 1/2" exposed to serve as the levelers for the module. The rounded head

of the carriage bolt will prevent damage to flooring at shows, while still

allowing for easy adjustment.

Using this standard 4" height will allow all modules to fit against one another neatly. If however, you wish to build a module with a scenery profile that is NOT totally flat across the end, you may of course do this, but you will have to allow a space under the mainlines in the bench work where C-clamps can go to attach to the next module. 2" to 3 1/2" C-clamps are required to connect and hold the modules together. Remember when designing your modules, that they will have to fit in your car, truck, or van for hauling purposes.

The Original "N"ovative Modular System

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There are many construction methods that might seem suitable for module

construction, however, it has been our experience that only a couple stand up to the rigors

of module transport and assembly. Module frames should be made from either nominal 1

x 4 pine lumber or plywood cut into similarly sized strips. Depending on the length & width

of the module, as well as the bracing in the frame, 1/2" or 5/8" plywood should be used

for the framework. 1/2" plywood is suggested to be secured to the top of the framework.

Therefore the overall height would be a minimum standard of 4".

While 1/2" plywood is recommended for rigidity, homosote, suspended ceiling tile,

or rigid insulation foam can also be used to reduce the weight of the module. If such

material is used for the top, the framework should then be made more sturdy and the

lightweight top material should sit down into the frame so the soft edge will not be

exposed to damage.

We have found that legs built in an "L" shaped configuration made from 3/4" lumber

seem to work best. The "L" shape eliminates the warping effect that is a problem with

legs that have been made by ripping a 2 x 4 in half. A block of hard wood cut to a size of

2 1/2" long x 1 1/4" square with a hole drilled clear through the length will allow a carriage

bolt to thread through for leveling. This block should then be glued and nailed flush with

the bottom of the leg. Be careful not to drive a nail through the hole in the hardwood block.

A "T" nut (5/16" x 20 preferred) and no less than 9/16" threaded shaft should be driven

into the hole. Then, threaded carriage bolts with a length of 3" to 4" should be screwed

into the bottom of the legs with 1 1/2" exposed to serve as the levelers for the module.

The rounded head of the carriage bolt will prevent damage to flooring at shows, while still

allowing for easy adjustment.

Legs should be built to a length which allows the modules to adjust to a standard rail height of 50" on uneven floors. However, you may choose any height which fits your needs. This height (50") was selected to give a more realistic vantage point for viewing the modules and has received quite a few compliments from the viewing public, some people saying that they felt they became much more a part of the scene.

The Original "N"ovative
Modular System