Train Shelving Advice

[Anonymous]

My husband and I want to run a Lionel O-gauge train around my 2 year-old son's new "big boy" room on a train shelf. We are novices regarding trains, and don't want to get ripped off, or make a potentially dangerous mistakes. Does anyone have any advice about materials to use, or avoid; design suggestions or general advice? Or websites that provide information about these systems? Even better yet, does anyone know a reputable contractor in NJ who makes these shelves? Thank you so much for any information that will help us!

[lionelsoni]

This topic comes up frequently. I suggest that you do a few searches in this forum, with words like "suspended", "ceiling", "all-thread", "bracket", and "shelf".

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the idea! I just tried it, but didn't find much. Most posting are for suspended trains, and not shelved. [:)] Thank you for trying to help!

[lionelsoni]

I just searched for "any" (not "all") of the words I suggested and set the earliest date back to 2000. I got quite a few hits. It occurs to me that you might get even more by searching all the forums, since there is not really much difference between toy and model trains in this regard.

[dougdagrump]

[#welcome]
This topic is discussed occaissionally, sometimes the different methods are discussed within one listing. If you don't find what you are looking for drop me an e-mail and I'll give you a rundown on how I did mine. You can also do an internet search to get some ideas as to what is available commercially. Contracting with someone to do it from start to finish could be rather costly, there are some companies who will make the parts based on your requirements and then you can install them.

[FJ and G]

I use closet maid for my shelving needs.

Go to: http://davidvergun.tripod.com/index3.html

The first two construction photos show my shelf layout, which extends out to 3 feet. You will notice that it is curvy. I achieved this by using various lengths of Closet Maid thingies.

If you look closely, you will notice that there are actually 3 layers of shelving, which are attached to the white vertical brackets. Eventually will extend a helix to all 3 shelves.

Closet Maid purchased at Home Depot.

The only safety concern I'd have w/little kid is head bumps. Adjust height accordingly.

Good luck & post pictures.

Dave Vergun

[Anonymous]

i am rethinking my "big green plywood" layout plans and seriously considering a shelf layout too. i think i can get a much longer run of track and also get tons of scenery options and themes going on shelves.

dave v., your pics and experience/stories help a lot. thanks.

[FJ and G]

thanks, woodsy,

I figure that's why we're all here on the forum, to motivate, inspire and sometimes empathize with each other

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for all the helpful advice. Being beginners, we are nervous about making errors. We have debated purchasing ready-made train shelving, but are unsure about its reliability. Has anyone heard about Freedom Train Shelving, advertised in the Classic Toy Trains magazine? The magazine and the better business bureau have given them a clean bill of health, but would appreciate any advice from more experienced train hobbyists.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to help us!

[FJ and G]

DJSpanky

The server is sometimes busy. Bet if you tried it now or in an hour, it'll come up.