Table design for a child's layout

[brochinsky]

I am going to have to build two tables. My HO layout will go over the top of my son's O-scale 4x8. I am completely undecided on how the lower table should pull out. I am considering having it pull out on a track that would stop it at the edge of my table. Another possibilty is to have the whole lower table on wheels so that it can be removed from under my table completely. The first design gives control over putting it back carefully and the wires. The second design gives more access, especially to the "back" of the layout which would be under my table in the first design. By the way, I have to build the tables with this orientation because of space in the room (I know it would be easier to have the lower table pull out from the short (4') side of the table but then the table will take up too much of the room.) Any thoughts/experience? By the way the lower table needs to move easily so Mom and I don't have to do it every time.

[MisterBeasley]

My entire 5x12 HO layout is on casters. The exterior frame is 1x4's, and the interior rafters are 1x3's. The 6 legs are 2x3's, with plywood gussets to keep them straight. The base of the layout is foam, which makes everything very light, and it's easy to push around, even on the carpet. I put in short diagonal cross-bracing in the corners, one long diagonal across the center, and an x-brace between the two long-edge legs. I've found this to be completely stable, and it's still easy to push around.

[BRVRR]

My 4x10 HO BRVRR is mounted on garage door rollers. The rollers run in tracks mounted to the trainroom walls. My grandson has been pulling the layout away from the back wall for more than two years without problems. I tried table legs with casters/wheels, but the current system is better. No fouling in the carpet or swiveling wheels. I have a photo posted of the 'roller system' under the How'd You Do That button on my website. Link is in my signature.