Fold-down turnaround loop idea

[FJ and G]

Some of you have inquired about an idea I put forth a few days ago reg. a turnaround loop that can be quickly stored away. I promised plans but due to your email questions, I’m putting forth the diagram ideas sooner than I had planned.

First, the turnaround loop will be a godsend for my point-to-point hallway shelf layout, as it will allow continuous running, yet, quickly restore the hallway to accessibility.

The beauty of this system is that it will allow attachment to any layout that has a piece of track going in the direction of the table top edge, as the loop can quickly be set up and attached and then quickly taken down again.

I would ask for your comments on this but first, some items.

In the first diagram, I would be using PVC pipe. The higher the legs, the bigger diameter PVC would be required so that it doesn’t bend and sway. If necessary, a bottom ring of PVC (not shown), that duplicates the top geometry shown, could be installed if stability does become an issue.

In the past, I’ve had trouble separating PVC from the 90 deg elbows, so perhaps Vaseline or some type of lubricant could be applied; or, the smaller piece could be sanded down some but not too much, as you’d want a snug enough fit.

In the second diagram, I would be using ripped lumber from a 2x4 cut to about 2x2. The pieces on the side would be hinged and open like an umbrella, then locked into place for the floor legs as well as the layout support legs.

In both diagrams the layout would be simply a shaped piece of Styrofoam with track attached. This ensures that the top would be light. In my case, I’m doing a desert layout so the foam could be painted brown and sprinkled with sand. Maybe add a few small pieces of vegetation and it would resemble an extension of the layout.

The Styrofoam and legs of both diagrams would quickly be taken down after use and put in a closet.

[FJ and G]

sorry not a good artist on photoshop but the top of 2nd diagram middle riser would obviously be flush with outswept umbrella arms so top can be layed flat

[lionelsoni]

I will recommend my PVC-leg scheme again:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=26021&REPLY_ID=256761#256761

I would make the top of 1/2-inch plywood rather than foam, without any structure under it but the legs, which can be placed whereever needed and convenient. You apparently have a solidly mounted permanent layout that you can lock the extension to, which would mean that the limberness of the legs need not be an issue.

[FJ and G]

Gee, Bob,

I missed that post you made. Guess the only difference is that I'm using sleeves so you can pull it apart. Great ideas, btw.

Next step is experimentation stage (after hypothesis).

[lionelsoni]

Notice that my legs have a very rigid connection to the board and are also very easy to remove. On my layout, each leg is fastened with a hex nut, since I don't remove them often; but you can easily substitute a wing nut or, to leave no evidence on top of the board, a tee nut, with the leg itself turned to screw it in.