Starting new layout

[Anonymous]

Hi, we are finally building our first layout. It is a simple L-shaped table made out of 2 4x8's. I am using regular Lionel 0-gauge track. The table top is made out of 1/2 inch plywood. A test track and train proved to be very noisy directly on this table top. My question is what can I put on the table top to help suppress the noise. I am not planning on a track bed, nor am I planning to make the scenery as realistic as possible. Just a place for us to run our trains with accessories. One end will be a town like area, the other an industrial type setting.
I have read about the use of homosote, but can't seem to locate any of this in my area. I have thought about putting a brown colored indoor/outdoor carpeting on the table top, since this is where out previous track was, on the basement floor.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob

[Big_Boy_4005]

If you aren't going for the scenic look the carpet is a nice way to go. I like green for that toy look. Brown may not have enough contrast with the trains, but that's just my opinion.

Here's a trick that I came up with many years ago, and it may even help reduce your noise problem. VELCRO.

Cut small pieces of wood to fit inside the bottom of each tie, and hot glue them in. Using the self adhesive type velcro, place a piece of the "hook side" on the bottom of each wooden spacer. Just make sure that the velcro sticks to your carpet, most low pile loop type carpets work, but the plastic turf types don't.

One of the reasons I used this system, is that I liked to change my layout from time to time. The track stays where you put it, until you want to move it. No nails, no screws, just gravity, and some velcro. If you decide to add a table later, no problem, just cover it with carpet and change the layout.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. I tried a small piece of carpet I had and it seemed to do a pretty good job of eliminating a lot of the sound.
I will try the velcro also.

[FEClionel]

Check out the December, January and February editions of Classic Toy Trains Mag series on the 4x8 Coal Terminal & Trestle Railroad layout.. They used rubber insulation gaskets under the track ties to silence the noise. Check it out and good luck!

[Anonymous]

bobst,
Hi, please contact me at [e-mail] and I'll get you alot of good info on layouts and sound proofing.
Regards,
Rich

[clinchfieldfan]

FEClionel mentioned the layout series in CTT where they are building the Coal Terminal & Trestle RR. Try the cable ties for mounting your track, using the ties versus metal screws should reduce the noise transfer dramatically.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Bobst, if you (or anyone else for that matter) want more information regarding the velcro idea, feel free to email me, and I'll be happy to work with you.

I came up with the idea almost 25 years ago, when I worked for a company that made trade show booths. They used a lot of velcro to hang a wide variety of items on panels covered with fabric that had the sticking property similar to velcro loop.

Normally, it is frowned upon to run trains on carpet, since many types of carpet have loose fibers that can get into the gears of the trains. But, the types of carpet that work with velcro have tightly woven loops, so this isn't a problem.

I used this system on a portable layout, which I took to many train shows over the years, and still have in my garage. The layout was made up of 18, 2' x 4' table sections, and 24, 2' equaletteral triangular sections, all covered with carpet. These modular pieces could be bolted together into any configuration, and each setup was unique. The only problem was that the setup time was rather lenghty, and it was a bit of a hassle to do a normal 2 day show. But, whenever it was set up, it always drew ooohs and aaahs from the crowds.[:D]

[brianel027]

Pretty cool idea Big_Boy. [:)] I always like it when folks visiting my layout say "wow, that's a clever idea. I wish I had thought of that." For as long as our trains have been around, I'm always impressed when someone has a new take or idea on something. Your idea is a good one. Especially for the beginners or those with kids, who by nature (and finances) will change and expand their layouts over due time. It's amazing how many non-train items can be adapted and used in building and operating the trains.
There was a post where we got to talking about crossovers on 2 loops. I thought how can I explain in simple terms the use of separate transformers and toggle switches. You did a good job on that one. I'm sure some of the advice you have offered has been very helpful to folks here, so glad to see you posting. Toot toot!

brianel, Agent 027

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Brianel,

With regard to the velcro idea, I used to hear "Oh, you should patent that!", from people, all the time. Unfortunately there's nothing to patent, or even copyright. The only value is in sharing, I only wish I had gotten into posting here sooner. After over 30 years in this hobby, I guess its safe to say, I've seen and done a few things.

As for the post about the layout with 2 loops and crossovers, I ended up working directly with the guy that postsd that. One on one, via email, we were able to exchange photos and drawings, and the project turned out great!

I'm happy to work directly with anyone who wants help. Beside what I have in my head, I have an extensive library in my basement, and with the help of the online magazine index, can access a lot of information on any model railroad subject.

If I had to choose one subject as my favorite though, it would be track planning. Always drawing something new, maybe that's why I think the velcro idea is so much fun.

[bibeaud]

Big Boy,

Would your velcro idea work with Lionel's new Fastrack (which is supposed to run on carpet)? It seems like a great idea! I am going to try to build a new layout for TMCC engines to use, instead of my old handed down 027 Lionel Layout from the 1950s. (My grandfather sold Lionel out of his hardware store in the 60 & 70s)

I currently run my 30 yr old engine and my sons Thomas & Percy O gauge engines on the 027 layout.

[brianel027]

bibeaud, I think the vecro idea with FasTrack would be more effort than it's worth. You'd have to glue a piece of wood or something to the FasTrack due to the molded roadbed. The FasTrack is suppose to have more durability and ease as far as being pulled apart and put together, unlike the traditional tubular track. In the CTT review of FasTrack, Bob Keller took an oval and hung it on the wall for 3 weeks and it stayed together.
You could probably just use a few screws here and there on your layout just to keep the track from being pushed away. Though there's certainly nothing wrong with 027 or O tubular track. Everything has plusses and minuses. Certainly one con on the FasTrack is the large roadbed size, making for an acutal 40 inch diameter... not much you can do on a 4'x8' with that. Same goes for the MTH RealTrack. I've seen small layout with that track and it's literally nothing more than the track. You certainly couldn't do the current featured layout in CTT with FasTrack on a 4'x8.' But again there are pros and cons to everything.
The FasTrack will certainly make for ease of starting with a simple layout and expanding on it as time goes by.

brianel, Agent 027

[Big_Boy_4005]

A quick trip to the basement, and I found the review that brianel was referring to. The photo on page 102 of CTT Sept 2003 was very helpful. There is not much surface area to come in contact with whatever table surface you use, so spacers would be needed for velcro. Velcro will help hold the entire layout in place.

The fact that it stayed together while left hanging on the wall for 3 weeks tells us nothing! If it was on the table with a train running on it, and it stayed together for 3 weeks, that would be impressive.