ceiling layout in HO

[Anonymous]

I would like to build a layout on a narrow shelf around the ceiling of my bedroom. is this OK for HO scale ? I would make it very narrow. there would be a staging yard a copuple of industries, a passing track , and a small town. there would be some work for locals, but due to the fact that lots of switching would be hard to accomplish. the main focus would be running throught trains. is this plan workable in HO scale ? Thanks !

[Big_Boy_4005]

What happened to the dogbone idea? A ceiling layout is usually just for show, not operation, unless you're 7 feet tall.

[Fergmiester]

If the cupboard door is getting you down why not have a removable piece to span the doors. I've seen this done before and some have actually dressed the span up to make it look like a bridge. A double swing bridge is not out of the realm of possibilities.

I think an elevated elevated track is more of a novelty found in stores and would disapoint you as the possibilities of interaction is greatly deminished.

[Anonymous]

I have built a narrow shelf layout around the edge of the lobby at the Local Chamber of Commerce here in Lander which is housed in the former CNW train station. While operational details are yours to resolve. In terms of construction it is very feasable to do in HO.

My installation was built on a 10 inch wide Shelf of 1/2 AC plywood. Then at every joist in the wall I installed an ornamental bracket that measured 10" X 5-1/2" (Cut from a standard 2X6) and secured to the wall. When I had all the brackets installed and ensured that they were level, I layed down the 10" wide Play wood shelf. (They should be laying on the 10" side of the braket. To support the shelf across window and door openings, I got 8 foot lenghts of Galvenised Steel 2"X2" angle with the predrilled holes and secured them to the wall on iether side of the opening, and then secured the shelf to the angle. In the corners I put "Gusset" plates that were a 10"X10" piece of extra shelf board cut in half at the 45* and then glued into them into the corners using Biscuts to support the overhang of the 18" Radius track. Then I laid Bachmann EZ Track right down the middle. Near the location of the power pack, (Which was stationed at the secrataries desk, I drilled a 1" dia hole to allow wires to pass through. Sometime, probably when I get done with school I will go down and scenic the thing and let the pulblic enjoy.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Yes James, that's fine if you just want to turn it on and let it run, but I think young Alex is looking for something more along the lines of operation. That's where the height becomes a problem.

Alex, you need to keep the trains down where you can reach them. Still trying for the bedroom layout?