Hello all, I got some great info & leads here before so I'll try my luck here again. After a few months of procrastinating & finding excuses, time has come to build a new, permanent layout. I know I'm in the wrong forum but I'm not sure which is right for this. I have a platform that is 4' X 11" to work with, NEED atleast 042 curves on the bottom to accommodate my Lionel Reading T-1 & plan to use Atlas' Nickel O track as much as possible.
What I'd like to do is have a loop of 045 on the bottom primarily for the T-1 & a smaller loop also on the bottom. On the upper level, I'd like to run two tracks around a "cut away", with trestles over the lower section. My problem is while I'm no stranger to power tools, bondo, fiberglass & building materials, I have trouble taking what's in my mind & building it. Where might I find some ideas for building the supports for the upper level & the upper level itself? A forum, web site or book would greatly be appreciated. One long side of the platform is against a foundation wall & I plan to have a long single or even double tunnel on the bottom level to use that space. The bottom level may get a couple switches but the upper level will be straight loops, no sidings or spurs. Thank you in advance.
Sounds like you're trying to cram a lot of trains in a confined space. I'd narrow it down to one line on the lower level, and one on the top. I'd utilize open grid benchwork, and precut as much subroadbed as possible. Using 1x2 risers, and a bunch of c-clamps you can sight in and level your upper line, then secure the risers in place.
What information is needed is the height of each layout from the floor and the distance between both levels.
Is the bottom level going to have scenery like mountain tunnels or is it going to be like a subway beneath the streets of a city?
Are you planning to use Atlas O 45" Diameter curved sectional track with 36" Diameter curved sectional Track?
Andrew
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Thanks for the response, Andrew. I don't know off hand what the height of the platform is but I'd guess it is about 3 1/2 feet from the floor. The platform I have to start with which will be the bottom level will have Atlas' 045 as the outer loop & I was going to use 036 for an inner loop. The theme of the bottom level will be something on the order of an industrial area: coaling tower, sawmill, possibly a coal mine or two, etc. I was thinking of making the upper level into a scenic setting: mountains incorporated into the backdrop which will be on the wall, some houses & buildings to create a small town.
Imagine a flat area of 4' x 11' with two mains side by side running along three edges of the platform. The fourth long edge which will be the front side, may run straight, curved or I may throw some switches in as a small yard. The upper level that I have in mind, would be supported at each end & along the back edge where the wall is, this is where I thought of using the tunnel so I can help support the upper level & also use the space by having the lower level trains run under the upper level through this tunnel. The front side of the upper level would be cut out & the track(s) would cross the expanse on an assortment of bridges & trestles. I got this bi-level idea from the local shop but my plans are a downsized & modified version of their layout. I suppose I'll have to try some things til something works & when I get it done, post pics so everyone knows what I had in mind. lol
Thanks for your reply, fifedog. I am trying to get the most action in the allowed space, the old set up was 042 on the outside, 036 inside that & a figure 8 in the center with 027 curves. That layout worked well for many years but now I'm older, craftier & want to build the layout I dream of while staying within the 4' x 11' area I have available. I have so many trains but I can't run them all at the same time or in this space. If this works out that I can run four, then that will be plenty of action for me plus it should keep my apprentice(my nephew) busy when he visits.
Understood. Keep us posted on your project.
There is a photograph of a 2-Level Layout in the OCTOBER 2010 Issue of Classic Toy Trains.
The Bottom Level would most likely need Lighting. The compact lighting to look into are the LED lighting strips or LED strip lighting made by companies like ZILOTEK.
For a 4' Wide layout you would have to consider the postion of the supports for the Top Level so they do not interfere with the viewing of the bottom level. I suppose you have the supports in the center and the back, like the supports in ballpark or football stadium, so that the entire front is open viewing.
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