Need help with fold-up layout

[Anonymous]

I have a Lionel O gauge that I want to make a fold-up layout for. Its going to be in a barn, so I trying for a setup that will keep it safe and clean. My idea is to attach a 2"x6" to the wall, and attach a 4'x8' sheet to it with hinges. I plan to put a station barn on the 2"x6" part so that the train can be parked in it safe and free from dust. How can I get the track to fold or swing out of the way (at the hinged connection)so that the 4'x8' portion can be raised?

[bogp40]

defeasel, I wouldn,t worry to much about the swing or fold out thing- just remove the 1 or 2 track pieces as needed. Your main concern should be table/ leg construction. If you have the ceiling height why not make the table 6x8 or even 6x12. This will give you more layout and operating options. You would have to add some sort of frame under even the single 4x8 sheet, so scabbing additional pieces of ply wouldn,t be any problem. I don,t know exactly what or which way you plan to use the 2x6, if flat for the station or car barn, make sure you use a good wall cleat and possible gussets or brackets. You don,t want to lift the layout up only to find it starts to pull/ fall away from the wall. If you have the space why not keep the stationary part wider say 10-12", this will allow more wall clearance for board mounted structures and the like.
Bob K.

[Anonymous]

Bob,

Yeah, securing everything is primo! To support the fold-up table I've designed a set of double swing legs (connected to the primary wall support at either end). Maybe I should think about going wider for the fixed portion like you suggest (I guess I was thinking of the 2x6 because I had one, but wider is definitely "doable"). I'm building this for one of my sons who has some physical disability limitations, so I'm concerned at getting too big on the fold-up portion due to both weight and being able to reach everywhere on the table. He's tall enough, but doesn't have the stability to lean over very far.