How to Make a Small Bench for a Model Railroad

Use a bench with slats as your reference.

Craft a small bench for a model railroad set that is just the right size for miniature passengers. Model train aficionados create elaborate models for their railroads, including buildings, train depots and countryside. A miniature bench fabricated from balsa wood, which is an easy-to-cut soft wood, recreates the type of bench that passengers sit on while waiting for their trains to arrive.

Things You'll Need

• 1-by-12-by-1/16-inch balsa wood
• Pencil ruler
• Craft knife
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Mark three rectangles that are 1 inch wide by 3 inches long on the balsa wood from the 1-by-12-by-1/16-inch piece. This creates the bench's seat, its back and the supports at the bottom. Cut them out with a craft knife.

2. Draw a line exactly down the middle and lengthwise on one of the 1-by 3-inch pieces. Cut the line to create two pieces that are 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long. These are the supports under the bench.

3. Set one of the 1-by-3-inch pieces of balsa wood horizontal and flat on your work space. Squeeze wood glue along the bottom edge. Press the other 1-by-3-inch piece along the glue so the edges are aligned and at a 90 degree angle to the first piece. It forms an "L" shape if you look at it from the side. Allow it to dry.

4. Squeeze wood glue onto one of the 1/16-inch sides of the cut 1/2-by-3-inch piece. Stand it up on your work space. Repeat the same gluing with the other 1/2-by-3-inch piece. Stand it up 2 inches below the first 1/2-by-3-inch piece. These are the supports that hold the bench and look like two parallel lines.

5. Place the "L" shape bench and its glued back on top of the two parallel supports. The bottom of the "L" rests on the supports evenly. Allow it to dry completely before moving.

Tips & Warnings

• This project creates a bench for a model railroad that is roughly 2 inches tall. Adjust the size of the bench if the railroad is smaller.

• Craft sticks can be used for this project instead of balsa wood, but they are harder to cut.

• For a bench with more slats, cut the balsa wood into thinner pieces. Glue the slats onto a frame.

• Always cut away from your body when using craft knives.