New Layout _ progress pic

[Anonymous]

Rivers cut, foam glued to benchwork and platforms made for the second and third level of the city. My next project is the background .

By the way, this is a 4 piece sectional layout that bolts together. Each section came out pretty light which I wanted. It will be pretty easy to move and put together myself. It will be moved into a second bedroom soon.

I am also planning on running a small trolly on the second level. Just DC as it will just go in and around the city on a separate track.

I have the track plan figured but will have to adjust accordingly as I put down the roadbed because even thou it is a small layout, I like the #6 turnouts. Will try and use all #6's. I think they look and operate better than the 4's. Right now, I am going to need about 12 of them.

By the way, the legs are already made. also out of 1x4 (2 1x4 with 2 small1x4 pieces sandwich top and botton, with a slot at the top where it will slide into the 1x4 table braces and will then be bolted to it.

DON and the River Rat R&R

[TBat55]

Nice work. I too have a sectional layout (4 sections 3'x5' bolted together with 1x4 legs). It was light weight, but is now much heavier due to Hydrocal rock castings.

If you like these rock castings and still want to keep down the weight, push a piece of styrofoam into the mold before it cures. Leaves a hollow center; also easier to glue on.

Another suggestion: lift-up casters


My whole layot was just turned 90-degrees with one hand.

[Anonymous]

Wow Nice work TBat. Nice work on the casters also! Like that Idea!

Yes, Your layout does look light!

DON

[Anonymous]

Don and TBat55, Hey, you guys are "right on the money." Sure lookin' good! Yes Don, the #6 turnouts should look and perform fine on your R.R. If you expand the trolly line, # 4's will probably be a necessity. Is it: 1st level-river bottom- -2nd level-yards- -3rd level-cityscape- -4th level-hills? TBat, great ingenuity, using "retractable" castors and weight saving moldings. Lots of good ideas rolling around here. You guys are making me "re-think" about the "open end" of my garage HO layout. "You keep a-tossin' em and I'll keep a-catchin' em!" Regards. Oh, that last quote is from "Leghorn Rooster" (Warner Bros. Cartoons).

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the compliments Ted. No , the 4th level is more city scape lol Right on on the other levels!

DON

[Anonymous]

Until now, I have been employing a semi-circle insert (bolted-in) at the "open end" of my garage layout. Currently, I must remove the "insert" each time I drive the car in or out of the garage. If I build 2 modules (on casters), I can simply "wheel" them from storage, (next to side of the car) put them "in place" and bolt them together. I haven't worked out the details yet (scale drawing) but I think this could be a good solution to the "open void" under my (current) insert. For sure, it will be easier to move and more stable as well. Thanks again for the "inspiration." Regards

[TBat55]

Thanks. I thought of having legs with non-moving leveling feet and casters where you lower the leveling foot to raise the caster (and leg) off the floor. Like on a machine. Problem is this takes a long time with a wrench and a lot of legs. Takes time away from modeling.

Here's a couple more pics of my casters.




Don't forget a hole for the removeable hinge pin:






This is not the first design; several others broke. Even with "hollow" rock castings, my gorge weighs a ton:

It takes every bit of the leverage to raise some legs up.

[Anonymous]

TBat55, really neat and well thought out...are the black patches heavy velcrow? Thank heavens I wont be dealing with nearly as much weight. The total width of the opening (garage) is 7 ft. 3 in. I plan to build 2 modules (on locking casters) abutting and bolting together at the center and both ends. The "modules" needn't be wide, perhaps 36 in. or enough to support a few wayside structures, signal bridge, etc. Quick disconnects will be used for elec. continuity between modules and permanent mainline. Again, I have only now considered this solution so there is much planning underway. At last, there is an alternative to the "space walk" appearance of my "gang plank" (double track) insert. Many thanks. Ted

[CNJ831]

Don - Did you happen to base your layout on Furlow's urban-scene Carbondale Central that appeared in MR about 15 years back (and re-presented in Great Model Railroads last year, I think)? Your layout's general outline certainly reminds me of the CC. I always thought it a good choice for someone with limited space and only a corner location available.

CNJ831.

[7h9h_]

hay Don do you got amy more pic?

[TBat55]

Yes, the black patches are Velcro. The leveling foot on the orange rubber pad is from Woodcraft ($7 each). The floor of my basement looks flat but varies by an inch in some spots. On 2 legs I've got a 2x2 attached to the L-leg corner. The 2x2 has a T-nut with leveling foot screwed in. Also thought of using a PVC cap&bolt for the leveling foot (saw it in MRR or RMC mag).

[Anonymous]

Yes TBat55, know what you mean bout "level" floors. I have the survey team out today and smoke is rising from the drafting table. The PVC idea is appealing too. Thanks, Ted

[Anonymous]

CNJ Yes you are right on! it is a take off on the Carbondale Central that Furlow put together! back in 1989 I think. I don't have the issues of MR anymore so this thing is just coming out of my head. and Yes, someone else did a make over of the same layout. It came out beautiful. I forget his name now. I think its a great layout for a small space.

its basically the same layout as Furlows but have made changes here and there. For one, its larger and the track plan will be a little diffrent. I used 3 inch foam instead of 2 inch for deeper rivers and layed out the city a little diffrent. All inprovements I hope. Mine came out about 8 by 12. Not sure what Furlows was. Wish I still had the articles.

DON

P.S. I finished the backdrop today! Hope to have more pics soon!

[Anonymous]

CNJ, you have an incredible eye for and memory for design...15 years? Say, didn't CNJ run some unique steeple cab steam on commuters? Seem to remember one of them ending up in one of N.Y.C. rivers- -Harlem, East, Hudson? Must've been in the 1950's or so? What was the location of CNJ's yard near West Side Hiway (mostly underground)? Regards