Layouts and layout building

Today I finished the framework for my small test layout, finally!

I've seen several threads on this forum on how to build small/moveable/portable layouts for those who doesn't have "room" for a layout, and this is how I solved my own "no room" issue.

BTW, the layout is 105x185cm, designed to fit through my doorways..:

Layout frame, 22x98mm with 6mm plywood on top (frame upside down):

Preparing for wiring:

Don't know how I managed to screw up here, but the foam is very forgiving..:

5cm foam on top, testfitting turnouts:

Center legs, made of 48x98mm and wood shelf brackets:

This may happen if you don't drill holes first...:

I discovered that the wood was warped, so I bought new materials and made new legs with 19x98mm bracing:

I used a 16mm steel tube as a hinge. No need to crawl under the layout to do the wiring:

Top side of layout in storage posisition:

I was very lucky, the layout is perfectly balanced. The hinge has no resistance at all, with a gentle tap with my finger it tilts into vertical position, the upper crossmember prevents the layout from tilting the other way:

I used a couple of 16mm washers between the layout and the center legs to keep them apart:

Just wanted to share this with you guys. As a newbee I have learned a lot from this forum, and maybe some will find this useful also.

Svein

very nice !

that's a great way to get the layout out of the way when you need to . don't forget to remove all locos and cars first !

ernie 

loathar wrote:

Nice work! And I bet it can double as a train catapult if you push down on one side really hard!

LOL! Sorry, but that's a funny thought. I hope he doesn't have any cats. 

HarryHotspur wrote:

loathar wrote: Nice work! And I bet it can double as a train catapult if you push down on one side really hard! LOL! Sorry, but that's a funny thought. I hope he doesn't have any cats.

Oh, I think it would work as a cat-apult too!  It might teach Miss Kitty a lesson, too.

loathar wrote:

Nice work! And I bet it can double as a train catapult if you push down on one side really hard!

LOL, now there's something to consider!

Didn't someone (Tyco?) make a train set with a built-in jump many years ago..? Ahh, found it, the Super Turbo Train :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YngIuQoBRIs

Svein

Nice work.

OK,

First of all, if it were me, I put larger-wheeled casters on that thing. Larger wheels will go over any kind of bump easier than those little things you have on there now.

Secondly,

I was very lucky, the layout is perfectly balanced. The hinge has no resistance at all, with a gentle tap with my finger it tilts into vertical position, the upper crossmember prevents the layout from tilting the other way.

If after you add scenery you find it is no longer blanaced, you can always add lead weights to the under side of the table to balance it out.

You might want to permanently attach a couple small, cheap levels to the edges to help get it ready to run trains. Another thought would be to add fold-out legs to the corners like a card table has to add stability while running trains.

Are you going to add a box top to it of some kind to protect the scenery?

Svein wrote:

This may happen if you don't drill holes first...:

Been there, done that!

Svein,

    You did a great job putting your set-up together.  About 35 years ago, I made a similar arrangment for my small layout.  It was no where near as good looking as yours.  I'll be eager to see the layout come to life.

Ted H

WaxonWaxov wrote:

Nice work. OK, First of all, if it were me, I put larger-wheeled casters on that thing. Larger wheels will go over any kind of bump easier than those little things you have on there now.

I did wonder if I should have used larger wheels, but then the layout would have been to tall for my doorways, there's only 8mm clearance as it is now (and even less when the fascia comes on). And if I compensate for larger wheels by moving the steel tube hinge a little lower, one of the bottom crossmembers will interfere with the tilting movement, and I need both for stiffness.

My flooring is vinyl, laminate and carpet, and I have no problem moving it around. But of course, I can allways redesign the leg assembly later on, if I experience any problems over time.

WaxonWaxov wrote:

Secondly, I was very lucky, the layout is perfectly balanced. The hinge has no resistance at all, with a gentle tap with my finger it tilts into vertical position, the upper crossmember prevents the layout from tilting the other way. If after you add scenery you find it is no longer blanaced, you can always add lead weights to the under side of the table to balance it out.

Actually, the balance was just an extra bonus I didn't plan for, I figure the layout will be a little easier to handle when it's balanced. If the balance is way off after adding scenery I may consider adding some counterweight (good idea BTW, I didn't think of that), but I don't want it to be to heavy when it's finished. It doesn't weigh much now, in fact I can lift the whole assembly with one arm.

WaxonWaxov wrote:

You might want to permanently attach a couple small, cheap levels to the edges to help get it ready to run trains. Another thought would be to add fold-out legs to the corners like a card table has to add stability while running trains. Are you going to add a box top to it of some kind to protect the scenery?

Oops, sorry, did I forget to mention that? I plan to have corner legs, either detatchable or fold-out, I haven't yet decided how to work it out. They don't have to be loadbearing, since all the weight is carried by the center legs, just enough to keep the layout level when working on it. Attaching levels is a great idea, thanks!

I haven't planned for a protective box top yet, guess I'll just wait and see if I need one.

Svein

Thanks for the kind words guys, I really appreciate it!

I'll post more pics as the project goes along, but with only 3 days left of my vacation I don't know how soon it will be.

Svein

Before this appeared the first time you mentioned it, I had already built one with a hollow core door covered by foam. Almost exact style of design. I based the design on a gaming table I saw.

A word of warning: I found that if anyone leans on the outer edges of the layout for any reason, it will want to tip even when "Secure pinned" into the horizontal position. Also if weight of what is on top of the layout (scenery track etc) is disproportionate on either side, layout will not "balance" well when in the horizontal position, and want to tip.

I solved some of the problem by putting a removable brace from the base up and out to the edge(slanted). Further resolution would be removable legs to secure under the outer edges when it is in the horizontal position.

Best drawing I can give you:

                ______LAYOUT_____________      OR:    _____LAYOUT__________

                                   !    !                  /            !            !    !             !  

                                   !    !              /                !            !    !             !

                                   !    !           /                   !             !    !             !

                                   !    !       /                       !             !    !             !

                              ___!__ ! /    ^brace                !        ___!__!___        !

                              ()        ()                              !         ()          ()        !

                                                                         ^-removable prop legs--^

Svein,

Very nice work ! Lots of luck with your new layout. As a board newbie, I'm very excited to see your layout progress.

Pete  :-)

galaxy wrote:

A word of warning: I found that if anyone leans on the outer edges of the layout for any reason, it will want to tip even when "Secure pinned" into the horizontal position. Also if weight of what is on top of the layout (scenery track etc) is disproportionate on either side, layout will not "balance" well when in the horizontal position, and want to tip.

Thanks for the warning Galaxy!

I haven't planned any kind of "locking" device when the layout is in horizontal position, the layout is free to pivot around the center. I want the construction to be as simple as possible yet functional.

A removable brace like the one you have is one alternative, but as the center leg footprint on my layout is only 70x116cm, I don't know if this will be enough to keep it stable.

4 corner legs will probably be a better solution for me. I figure that a well balanced layout will be easy to hold in horizontal position while fastening the legs on one side, the added weight of the legs vil then prevent the layout from tilting the other way before the second pair of legs are fastened.

Any thoughts?

Svein