I'm adding a 18" X 80" extension to my shelf layout. I am looking for an easy deck material and have no use for a full sheet of plywood. I can get 2' X 4' plywood panels but also noted melamine shelving in 18" X 8' sizes at half the price of plywood. Has anyone tried this material? It would be on a traditional grid frame of 1 X 3 or if the melamine is a good option I could use wall brackets. Thoughts?

Lee

.......when you are doing your bench work?  I understand how to determine the height-distance thing but getting my grades to be a CONSISTENT say 3% is very hit or miss when it comes to curved grades.  A straight grade is easy but when the tracks curve it gets hard.  Looking for tips.  I’m using 1/2” plywood with a layer of 1/2” Homasote on top as my roadbed which is about 4” wide for single track.

I have some questions based upon various videos. Recently viewed a guy that used playground sand and coffee grounds mixed together. And the traditional white glue adhesive. What is a little confusing to me is where in the U.S. could such a color be? Ballast has too many options in color. And if one don't live in the exact vicinity of the area he/she wants to model, is there an accurate source? Google Earth don't get a close enough view.

The first edition of the 22nd Avenue Running Track's single-track staging leg, built a decade ago, is about what you would expect for a first draft by a high school student. It generally did the job, but it was too short, unstable, and crudely finished. As part of the overall benchwork rehabilitation, I figured it prudent to completely replace it with one of higher-quality materials and craftsmanship. So into the scrap pile went the old one.