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Coffee table layout resources?

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  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: San Jose, California
  • 3,154 posts
Posted by nfmisso on Sunday, February 1, 2004 11:14 AM
Jay;

There was an article in the past few years on doing an HO scale trolley layout in a coffee table. I think it was in MR or one of the MR books.

Check out these 23 hits:
http://index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=S&sort=A&output=3&cmdtext=%22COFFEETABLE%22
Nigel N&W in HO scale, 1950 - 1955 (..and some a bit newer too) Now in San Jose, California
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 1, 2004 11:02 AM
Design Idea- I've seen alot of coffee table/display tables with fixed glass tops that I have thought would be perfect, but I think the Idea would be better if the display or layout shelf would pull out on heavy duty drawer guides. Take note though that the table would have to have counter weight on the side opposite of the pullout side to keep from tipping over. I think I would put another pullout prefferbly to couch side for tranformer and or controls.

Carpenter Matt
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Culpeper, Va
  • 8,204 posts
Posted by IRONROOSTER on Friday, January 30, 2004 7:23 PM
There have been some articles over the years - search the index above for coffee table. The biggest difference between HO and N for the table is you probably need a little deeper box. Otherwise pick small engines such as a 0-4-0 docksider, a 4 wheel diesel, or the MDC boxcab. You'll want short cars 40' and under - MDC 36' cars should be good.

You can probably find some coffee table plans in woodworking magazines/books that will give you some ideas for the wood working part

Hey it's small but go for it.
Enjoy
Paul
If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 30, 2004 4:33 PM
Never seen it done with HO before - all the coffee table layouts I've seen have used either N or Z scale. As you've probably found, the 15inch radius curves will make selecting equipment to run fairly tricky. I would suggest that you build it in N instead, as this will allow greater choice of trains.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Coffee table layout resources?
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 30, 2004 2:38 PM
I've gotten premission to build a 3'x4' layout / coffe table. (Being in an apartment we don't have room for a larger layout quite yet.) I have a 2'x4' module in HO scale that 'll be donating it's buildings to the cause. It'll be fairly basic with 15" radius curves and a few turnouts so some switching can be done.

Mainly what I'm currious about is if anyone has seen any books/magazines/or web media that might have additional information on attempting to build a coffee table/layout? I'm just hoping to do a little research before diving in and making ,mistakes

Thanks for your time
Jay

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