folding layout

[Anonymous]

please help .. ... i want to expand my layout and have run into a problem .. this set up folds against the wall .but the exp im planning on will fold in front of that .hard to explain. how do i get the track to recive power and hook up short of once unfolded placing track between the switch and new track i just pulled my locos and entire set out of 25yrs storage and have been out of the loop for awhile thanks any help will be appreciated .bringing my son up to speed

[spankybird]

HI chochojohn,

First I would like to welcome to the CTT forum


Boy are you in for a great surprise. Has O gauge changed in 25 years. You must visit some of the new manufactures web pages, like K-line ( www.k-linetrains.com )and MTH ( www.mth-railking.com ).

If I understand you correctly, here is one thought. Why not build the add on like with a draw bridge connection. To get power to the new section and also the add on piece, why not add a lock on to each for power.


tom

[Anonymous]

thanks for the help ... i have been to quite a few sites .and WOW. its changed. that was what i was thinking about doing but Im getting trainmaster and wasnt sure if the loss of power for even a few seconds would affect it. whats getting me is how to lock the track together between the hinge ... i did see the drawbridges in lionel site thanks again and glad to be back .. with my trains

[eZAK]

I made a folding layout once.
It folded up against a wall & was 8' x 3.5'
It was attached to a shelf & in the up position it was about 8" from the wall.

When it was down the trains ran on it as well as through the wall to a table top.
To cross the hinge section there was a small gap in the rails.
The power was transfered using about 3" of lamp cord soldered between each rail.

A couple points to remember;
Keep the center of the hinge at your rail height &
Make sure you have a little slack in your power wires.

I hope this helps.

If you need more info just email me [e-mail]

[daan]

If you havn't run for 25 years, do you use tubular track? If yes, tubular track can be soldered easy, so if you make the tracks that way that 2 trackpieces end excactly on the folding section, you remove the pins connecting them and solder the 3 rail on wood screws screwed in almost on the edge of the folding part. This way your joint won't move when folded and join nice when you set up your layout. Track power can be past on by a flexible wire underneath.

[Anonymous]

thanks . yes i do use tubular track . Ive been out for awhile but i pulled out the old lionels . cleaned them up and they run fine i already have a nice looking layout .. but you know you just cant leave it alone. bought a nice 4-6-6-4 this weekend union pacific chalenger WOW .how things have changed . thanks for all the info this will help me out alot .my son is having a blast ..thanks

[Anonymous]

daan where are you located in holland i lived in wiesbaden for 7 years and my father lives in gelsenkirchen loved it there