semi newby layout in progress

[Anonymous]

Hello all been lurking about for the past few weeks looking through all the post.
got quite alot of good info from here and have started on my / sons layout. have a few pics of it not the greatest but can't complain for only have a total of $90 out of pocket into it. so its not pretty looking go easy on me lol

table size is 12' long x 8' wide the lumber was free ( can't complain) from my old 24'x16' layout at my dads.

some of my old rolling stock


right side of table trees are not staying there going to be a tunnel there and the trees placed on that (4yr old just had to have the 2 bags of trees he found on the table right then hehe)

left side of table

lower end

upper end


still alot needs to be done been been slow going keep getting brain farts and just stand there looking at it more then working. That and saying to myself that would look better and work out better this way and making changes heh.
still trying to figure out were to incorparate a small impact yard type deal for unloading loading tractor trailers on my impact cars.
and yes i am going with out foam board ect. and will just cut the wood out to make ravines and water ways. as i am only renting the house were in, the less i have to tear apart the better when or if we have to move

[Anonymous]

First of all, it's bad to use particle board. Plywood gives smoother operation and more reliability and strength.

[Anonymous]

Nothing to appologize for . . . looks great!! What's really cool is that you're doing it together with your son. I'm sure years from now he'll remember it just as I remember railroading with my dad.

Keep plugging away!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SD40T-2

First of all, it's bad to use particle board. Plywood gives smoother operation and more reliability and strength.

you are right but beggers can't be choosers when its free. i have used plywood before on my old layout mixed with this particle board. Only issues i had with the particle board was warpage due to lack of braces and supports. this particle board is atleast 10 years old and was still in great shape.right now on this table i can crawl around the table top with no bowing or flexing of the particle board. maybe someday when money permits it i'll splurge for better table top material.

[Anonymous]

Unless you have huge swings in moisture levels, there is nothing wrong with particle board other than it might not be as smooth as plywood. Depending on the board density, it may equal or exceed the strength of plywood. It certainly can be reliable and most definitely will be strong enough. The industry I work in uses particle board in situations where it is subjected to stresses far greater than that which a model railroad produces.

Wayne

[camarokid]

As long as everything is properly braced it shouldn't matter if you use cardboard. I use plywood, particle board and foam and have no qualms about climbing or standing on any of it. The foam gives some but that justs adds to the realism. You have the makings of a very fine layout that will only bring you and your son closer. My two girls had a lot of fun helping me when they were younger and they both still say "Remember when, Dad?" Enjoy the time now because it ends all too soon.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by camarokid

As long as everything is properly braced it shouldn't matter if you use cardboard.

Makes sense. I will have to try it and see if it holds up. After thinking about it, it would seem a little easier to use.

[Anonymous]

It's me again! Just a quick question for you... Do you plan to incorporate the athearn box, the coke bottle, and the alcohol bottle into the final project? hahahahahaha I'm obviously just joking.

[egmurphy]

Congratulations. The important thing is that you are actually doing it. Too many people find reasons to put off starting one.

You get extra credit for doing it with your son.

Double credit for finding ways of doing it economically.

Thanks for sharing with us. Post periodic updates when you make progress.


Best regards

Ed

[piinob]

Looks great, do what works for you. I too am building a new layout right now. Been an armchair since '75, but finally got something going. I also commend you for doing this with your son. Mine are grown now, and I wish we had done this together. It happens sooooo fast!

[cacole]

If you're in a climate with drastic climate fluctuations, especially humidity swings, you may want to consider painting the chip board on both top and bottom to seal it and prevent swelling or warping. Other than that, I see no reason why a layout can't survive on this material as long as it's properly supported to prevent sagging, and it looks like you do have adequate support along the edges.

[rrinker]

Looks good, great start! You're further than I am at the moment. Coincedently though, what I am building is also 12'x8'. Check my web site to see the plan and progress so far - I took a plan from 101 Track Plans and modified it to fit the larger space. Some day this section will be the staging area for a double deck layout going around the rest of the room.
I've built layouts out of 'taboo' materials before and have never had a problem. A previous shelf layout I did was literally that,a pair of shelves at right angles on two walls. I used those mteal verticals and steel brackets, and had a sheet of the high density type of particle board cut to size at the lumber yard (I lived in an apartment at the time). One sheet gave me the two shelves for the railroad plus two others above that where I put all my magazines and books. People will tell you there's no way to fasten the track down, but I used track nails and cork and had no problems. People will tell you it's noisy - hmm, no problem there, either. Bottom line, if it's stable and doesn't sag or otherwise move, it will work just fine.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

L@@ks good from here. Hope you plan on using cork or foam for the roadbed.Trains make a hell of a racket on the board w/o it.
Hard Add

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Hard Add

Trains make a hell of a racket on the board w/o it.

[Anonymous]

It's prototypical!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Hard Add

L@@ks good from here. Hope you plan on using cork or foam for the roadbed.Trains make a hell of a racket on the board w/o it.
Hard Add

nope not using any foam or cork under 90% of the tracks. foam will be used in some areas to help get the track to the hieght needed for scenery. other then that i like the racket made from them being on wood (thats if you can here the noise over a 4yr. old so exstatic over the trains and going choo choo)

[piemandan64]

Even with the advantages and disadvantages of your different componets, at least your having fun with your son and that will mean everything to him as he grows older. Many happy memories.

[Anonymous]

I think doing this with your son is the best thing about the layout no matter what it may look like. One other suggestion is to seal the PB since you have a lot of humidity in your area. Just have fun together doing it.
Ken