Overhead model trains on clear shelving

[CJtrainguy]

I am planning to put a double track HO line running along the walls around my office about 1.5' below the ceiling. I can easily do a wooden shelf there, but a clear shelf would be a much more eyecatching view of the trains. Has anyone done something like this? If so, what kind of Plexiglass-type material did you use? What thickness? How did you attach the tracks to the Plexiglass?

[gmpullman]

It costs a little more but a "Lexan" type polycarbonate is much more resistant to cracking (you can actually bend it cold in a brake) than the acrylic type "Plexiglas" plastic.

In either case it will collect dust rather quickly so be prepared to vacuum it often! I would consider small lengths of double-stick tape to attach the track, it can be readjusted if necessary. There are several kinds, some it a little heavier and stickier.

Sounds like a neat idea, though...

Good Luck, Ed

[7j43k]

Clear plastics LOVE dust.  If I wanted to attach track to plastic, I'd consider screws.

 

I wonder if glass would work better.  It's certainly easier to dust.

 

 

Ed

[hon30critter]

CJ:

Not to try to put you off your plan, but even with a clear roadbed your still going to be viewing the HO trains from several feet. I would suggest considering a bigger scale, possibly with only one track.

There is a neat little pub in Caledon that has a train winding around the room just below the ceiling. I'm not sure of the scale but it is definitely larger than O. It is on a wood roadbed. What I like about it is that you can easily see the mechanical action of the engine and you can see the details on the cars. Granted the theme is a bit whimsical, but my point is that you don't have to strain to see it working. Also, because of the size, the view of the train is not significantly impaired by the track and roadbed.

The pub is called 'Peter Cellars Pub' and it is worth dropping into if you are in the area. Its in the cellar of the Mono Cliffs Inn. Great food! Unfortunately they don't show any pictures of the pub, and I'm assuming that the train is still there.

http://www.monocliffsinn.ca/#2

Again, I'm not trying to rain on your parade. Just my  worth.

Dave

[RR_Mel]

I had a static display in my office for many years before I retired.  HO Trains draw a lot of attention in an office.  As mentioned above they draw dust like a rare Earth magnet draws metal fragments.  The day you don’t dust is the day someone will want to take a good close look at the pretty train.  Dust is Very Embarrassing!

 

I tried plastic covered display modules and that was actually worse, the plastic covers collected the dust faster than an engine in the open.  Sales people wanting to make an impression on you will normally be the best at viewing and comments.

 

They are a great conversion piece but not with out some cleaning effort, they require a good dusting not less than about every three to four days to stop embarrassing moments.

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

[CJtrainguy]

Appreciate all the good input.

Still mulling over what the final thing will look like. Actually looking at putting a loop of large scale track closest to the wall with 2 HO tracks running next to it. I've had one shelf set up in the right location for some time with a few train cars just sitting there and have decided I like the looks from sitting or standing. Yes, I won't be close enough to count the rivets, but I will be able to enjoy watching trains run when I take a break. I am planning to incorporate some bridges into the shelves since I like bridges.

The idea for clear plastic or glass may end up being replacing some sections of the around-the-room-shelf with clear for a different view of the trains. BTW, planning to elevate the Playmobil/LGB track some above the shelf to get a better view from below.