Flyer display shelves

[hugoroundhouse]

Hi Guys -

I'm getting ready to build some shallow, wall-mounted display shelves for my American Flyer collection. (Seems I have more wall space than floor space.) This is going to be a relatively small project - not the full "wall of trains" some of you have. I am planning to use 1 X 4's for the shelving, but I am a bit concerned about how safe they are. Do you guys mount a section of track on your shelves to sit your trains on? Or, do you add a little "lip" on the front edge of each shelf for safety's sake? Have any of you tried putting two (or three for you Lionel-types!) grooves on the shelf to hold them in place, similar to the plate groove in the missus' china hutch? Not that my collection is extremely valuable, but it would make me sick to see them "take a dive" to the floor.
Thanks for any feedback.[:)]
Jim E.

[Richard A]

Jim,

I started out with a borrowed router and making grooves for my shelves. After several abortive starts (too much work due to inadequate shop area), I went back to my original idea of mounting tracks on the shelves.

Turns out this is the best look for me. The tracks add a nice touch. A little more expensive that way, but I like it.

Sorry I do not have pictures. Digital camera is on the fritz!

[lionelsoni]

I use tubular track mounted to the wall with metal corner braces--no shelves. So far, nothing has fallen. But these are on the walls behind an around-the-walls layout; so there's not much opportunity to bump into them and knock anything off.

I have seen grooved wood used--but only two grooves whether for Lionel or Flyer!

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I use "junk" track for display on shelves. Don't need much depth.
Jim

[hugoroundhouse]

Thanks for the help. Think I'll just knock them together and use the old track technique.
Probably "over-thinking" the problem.

JimE.

[tdetmer]

Jim,
I used 1x4 boards like you have and it works great. I used a table saw to cut two grooves in the boards the right distance apart so that the wheels sit in the grooves. You need to measure the grooves carefully the first time to make sure the template for the groove widths is set up right. After that, just use a sample to set the fence on the table saw to cut the grooves the right widths. Also, I found it works best to move the grooves more to the outside (away from the wall) so that the cars and engines have enough space. It's a little counter intuitive but it works. Finally, I cut a thin slice of wood to block off the end of each board and then I paint them and I'm in business. Good luck! Tom D.

[hugoroundhouse]

Thanks, Tom. Good advice.

Jim E.