Can someone give me some assistance in completing a second tier on my 4x8 layout?
I wanted to run track and put buildings on it.
Thanks for the help.
Retired Rail Car
Adding a second tier is pretty ambitious. Perhaps adding a helix section to the lower tier, like a bump-out, would accomplish the vertical transition. If the level change isn't too much, a long straight incline may work. It all depends on the current layout, available room, preferences, etc.
A lot of variables...
Be aware of how much layout you have to reach over. The general rule is that you can't work more than 30 inches from the edge of your layout. If you have a 4x8 against the wall, you've already exceeded that by a foot and a half, and that's only one level. If you can get around the back, though, or if you have an opening in the middle so you can "prarie dog" up and fix things, then you're better off.
Are you trying to add a separate level, or do you want to connect the two?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I can get around the 4x8 layout. Right now I have a second level ( which I am still able to remove) on top of the lower level. It just does not look authentic enough. I really would like to join the levels or build an inclined look to the lower level and have enough room on the incline to put up structures with another track.
any further suggestions?? Thanks again-RRC
Retired Rail Car wrote: I can get around the 4x8 layout. Right now I have a second level ( which I am still able to remove) on top of the lower level. It just does not look authentic enough. I really would like to join the levels or build an inclined look to the lower level and have enough room on the incline to put up structures with another track.any further suggestions?? Thanks again-RRC
With such a small layout in HO Scale, the second level is probably going to have to remain a separate layout. Normally, different levels of a layout are connected by what is known as a helix (visualize the threads of a bolt), but they take up a lot of space. An 18 inch radius one (probably the absolute minimum for reliable operation of even 4 axle diesels) will take up an area of more than three feet by three feet. Even at that, you're looking at a 5% grade to maintain clearances between levels of the helix, much steeper than workable.
Although they don't exist in the prototype, some people have used an elevator to move trains between levels, or as a stroage/staging device.
Thank you for all the information and assistance. It has given me a lot to think about for my planning.
RRC