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I started my Lionel Layout one year ago. Here is a video of how far I've come.

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  • Member since
    January 2006
  • 621 posts
I started my Lionel Layout one year ago. Here is a video of how far I've come.
Posted by dsmith on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 11:24 AM

I started my new Lionel Postwar 027 Layout in May 2020. After one year working on it, here is a video of my progress. Being mostly homebound during the pandemic has been the perfect time to design and build a layout and to operate my trains, as well as helping to keep me occupied and sane. The layout is 6' x 10' and has 2 mainlines and a trolley line as well as a transfer table and many operating trackside accessories.

  David from Dearborn  

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • 392 posts
Posted by phrankenstign on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 12:23 PM

That's an interesting design choice using a pedestal rather than legs.  Do you have access to the space in the pedestal for storage?  How do you reach things in the corner?  I like the shelf all along the wall and the painted backdrop.  It looks like you were able to fit quite a few trains in your display shelves, but I noticed they're full!  That means you can't buy anymore trains, right?  There'd be nowhere to put them!

I wish you'd followed the double-A Alco-led train.  I kept seeing it in the foreground, but then it disappeared into the corner.  Is its route a circle all around the edge of the layout?

I'm a big accessory fan, and I would have liked to have seen the transfer table in action, along with whatever other accessories you have.  It looks like you packed a lot of track in that space all controlled by that neat-looking control area.  The dials, switches, and meters appear to be laid out in an organized, logical manner.  You're definitely the master of your domain!

Nice job!

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,050 posts
Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 1:02 PM

Always look forward to new vids by Musicalcraft. YesCool

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • 621 posts
Posted by dsmith on Thursday, May 6, 2021 8:57 AM

The 4' x 8' pedestal permanently sits about 15" from both walls.  The 6' x 10' train layout is just sitting on top of the pedestal so when I need to get to the rear of the layout I just pull the layout out and can walk behind in the 15" opening.  There is lots of room for storage inside the pedestal.  The 15" space allows me to easily store 12 x 12 x 18" boxes.  For small layouts, the separate pedestal and movable table idea works out great, it would be impossible to move the whole thing (even if it had wheels) since the floor is carpeted. 

I am planning on making more detailed videos showing the transfer table and all the operating accessories in the future, so stay tuned.

  David from Dearborn  

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Southern Indiana
  • 432 posts
Posted by marxalot on Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:02 PM

Very nice layout. You are gifted with great wood working skills IMHO. Being able to move the layout a bit to access things is a nice idea. Keep on keeping on.

Jim K

  • Member since
    March 2013
  • 563 posts
Posted by BigAl 956 on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:36 PM

Great job however the cost of that plywood could pay someones college tuition in 2021.Big Smile

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