I would like to find out where I can find tables for railroad layouts.
Do you want to buy layout tables, or build your own? What scale are you working in?There are many ways to build layout tables, it just depends on what you want.I don't mean to sound harsh, but your question is kind of vague without additional information.
Just about everyone on the forum will have differing opinions and likes and dislaikes of various table design and construction .
Try putting "layout table" in the forum search engine.
TheK4Kid
Try searching for bench work. Kalmbach has several very good books on the subject, definitive actually and they are loaded with pictures.
Joe
Also do a search for "benchwork".
It would be very helpful if we knew what scale you're working in, and how big your (proposed) layout will be.
We can also look at your trackplan and help with improvements, but make sure to tell us what you plan to do; ie, do you want to "watch 'em roll", run wayfreights, switch yards, or whatever.
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
I am interested in HO scale, and would like a 4x6 or 4x8 layout, set up in a basement. Are there any that can be purchased, or is it a custom build?
I promise you, you can build it yourself. I did using hand tools only, and it turned out fine. And I'm a complete klutz at stuff like that.
On the other hand, if you're looking for something that has a furniture quality appearance, that's another story.
- Harry
I'd suggest taking a look online and at home improvement places for workbench kits. There are a number of companies that make metal and/or resin/plastic leg kits that would be suitable for making a 4x8 table.
One manufacturer I'm familiar with is 2x4 Basics http://www.2x4basics.com/WorkBench-Legs.asp Although I've not used their work bench product, I have used their outdoor furniture products and can testify to their sturdieness and ease of construction.
Reality...an interesting concept with no successful applications, that should always be accompanied by a "Do not try this at home" warning.
Hundreds of years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...But the world may be different because I did something so bafflingly crazy that my ruins become a tourist attraction.
"Oooh...ahhhh...that's how this all starts...but then there's running...and screaming..."
If you want to buy benchwork, here is a link to a page listing to several manufacturers of modular or sectional benchwork: http://www.hotrak.com/?p=40 I think you would be looking for something like "dominoes" or a sectional benchwork. Shipping will be a significant cost.
http://www.woodlandscenics.com/
This company sells layout kits. (under the layout kit section)
http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/index.htm
This company sells complete track plan kits.
If you have money to burn you can look in the back of Model Railroader. There's always a few companies in there that build complete or partial layouts.
Most of us cheap skates do it all ourselves though...
I know of two companies that make benchwork "kits" you can assemble. They are a little pricey but then if you're not very handy or don't have the time, these may work for you.
http://www.miannebenchwork.com
http://www.sieversbenchwork.com
Hope this helps.
This page has 4 track plans
http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=603
Each track plan also has a consruction diagram for a table top layout. They are slightly different so look at all 4.
Enjoy
Paul
allheart59 wrote: I would like to find out where I can find tables for railroad layouts.
There are as many different answers to that question as there are subscribers to these forums.
Quick way: Go to Lowes or Home Depot, but a 6 foot folding table and an interior door. Lay the door on the table.
Better way: Go to the same store, buy a bunch of lumber and a pack of adjustable feet and build a table. Make sure to cross brace the legs.
Solid but not portable way: Buy shelving and hang it on the wall.
Yet another way, buy free standing industrial type shelving and put your layout on top of it.
Etc.............
No matter how you do it, when designing the terrain, make alowance for the fact that eventually you are going to want to make it bigger. Leave provisions for switches to connect to the future sections.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
You did specify, "In a basement." If you can, try to negotiate for a little more space, specifically 5 x 9. Then you will be able to use a ping-pong table as a base.
The extra foot of width will give you room for wider curves - very useful if you want to run passenger trains, auto racks or 89 foot humonguboxcars.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
We saw a neat little portable "O" scale layout at a local model train demonstration where this fellow had 2 loops of Lionel Fastrack set up on 8 foot folding tables side by side. I think he bolted them together along the sides using wing nuts.
I saw 8' X 30" tables with a plastic top at Sam's club last week. Sixty some dollars each. I'm thinking of setting up a simple "O" guage layout using about four of them, for my grandkids to use when they come to visit. It would be a lot quicker than building something.
60YOKID wrote: We saw a neat little portable "O" scale layout at a local model train demonstration where this fellow had 2 loops of Lionel Fastrack set up on 8 foot folding tables side by side. I think he bolted them together along the sides using wing nuts.I saw 8' X 30" tables with a plastic top at Sam's club last week. Sixty some dollars each. I'm thinking of setting up a simple "O" guage layout using about four of them, for my grandkids to use when they come to visit. It would be a lot quicker than building something.
The tables are adequate support, but I would set something on top of them, and I would get a couple of C-clamps and clamp them together when they are set up.
That system will work for "toy trains" for small children. You will want something different when you decide to build a layout as they get older.