Custom Build Layout – by The Western Reserve Model Railroad Museum (pics) Finished 5-17-06

[spankybird]

Two weeks ago, the museum had a visitor that asked if we could design and build a layout for her son. So we were of and running with only a 5 weeks to complete this project.

The first week was deciding how large of a layout and then designing a track plan to fit it. After visiting my layouts, she like my circus layout plan and decided on that in a 6 foot by 8 foot plan.

This was the first track plan, then we added a short siding for an engine sheld.



This layout is made with MTH 031 realtrack.

The framework, legs, and shelves, and control panel (being built today) is made of Oak and cross supports are made of poplar.





We then nailed ½ inch plywood onto the cross members



then came the ½ foam








By the end of first day of construction, we put a test track on the layout and ran a train.





Then this week we received the rest of the track and finished laying it.







And then came the wiring. The inner and outer loops are on its own controller for two train operation. Here are some pics of the wiring but please note that the wires will not be tied up until the control panel is complete.







This layout is packed with a lot of action. It will have the Operating McD’s (MTH) Operating passenger station (MTH), Operating crossing guard (MTH), Operation Zoo (Lionel) and Pony Ride (Lionel). It will have a mountain in the back left side for the Zoo and Pony ride and a small HO train running around it.

Here is the luck little boy this is for

[Anonymous]

I'd love to see the look on that kid's face when he sees the completed layout! Great job on the layout, guys! You ought to go into the custom layout business and advertise in CTT.

[Anonymous]

Awesome, guys! That is, indeed, one very lucky kid!

[pbjwilson]

Tom - Looks great. How do you plan on moving it to the clients house. Will it come apart easily? Thats a pretty big table to get through the doors of a house.

[csxt30]

Great job Tom , and a nother nice trackplan !! [:)][:)]

[johnandjulie13]

Spanky:

That is a nice layout! I can really appreciate the level of professionalism you and your team are bringing to this project. Why do you put down foam board over the plywood? Does that aid in the installation of scenery?

Regards,

John

[spankybird]

Thanks guys. Just think, it was only last Saturday that we pick up the wood to start building it.

John, the foam is to cut done on the noise level. This is a very quit running layout.

[Anonymous]

Tom, That looks great. Maybe you could do the same thing for a little boy we all know in Roseyville NC.................Tim

[wrmcclellan]

Tim,

It would be even easier for that young man in Roseyville, NC. Just have to lay the foam on the floor! [}:)]

[johnandjulie13]

Spanky:

Thanks for the follow up. Your answer begs a few more questions:

• Is foam board preferable to cork?
• Does the foam board inhibit/help with scenery?
• Would you still use foam board if the road had elevation changes?

Thanks,

John

[beefmalone]

how much does something like that cost?

[spankybird]

Sorry I didn’t get back to answer some of these questions.

QUOTE: Is foam board preferable to cork?

For me it is. It does a really great job of absorbing noise.

QUOTE: Does the foam board inhibit/help with scenery?

It helps with scenery. To plant trees, just push it into the foam.

QUOTE: Would you still use foam board if the road had elevation changes?

Yep, This layout is made with ½” foam so it can bend very easy.

QUOTE: Cost [?]

We have over $600.00 in wood and foam, most of it is wood, Oak.

We are sell the table and wiring and landscaping for $2000.00 Customer is providing all track, switches, buildings, transformers and trains. She has bought 2 RTR sets for this. I believe she has spend about $3,500 total.

As it looks today and we still have much more to do.





We have to fini***he shelves, including putting grooves for the wheels, control panel, mountain, HO layout on the mountain, and basic landscaping.

I think I have some work to do in the next two weeks.

[johnandjulie13]

Spanky:

That table looks really sharp!

Once finished, how is it transported?

Regards,

John O

[1688torpedo]

Tom- That is a super layout & sure looks like it will be enjoyed by that Boy. It should keep him entertained for hours on end. Take Care.

[FJ and G]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pigseyes

Tom, That looks great. Maybe you could do the same thing for a little boy we all know in Roseyville NC.................Tim

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Jumijo]

Tom and gang,

What a wonderful job you're doing! Could this be the beginning of a new layout building service? Imagine making enough money building layouts to live on. Something to think about!

Jim

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Building a train layout table for someone is what got me started in the train hobby 7 years ago.
Jim

[Frank53]

$2000? I'm in the wrong business

[ChiefEagles]

Tom, like I have said elsewhere, you need to go into the business. Make this your full time employeement from now own.

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

QUOTE: Originally posted by pigseyes

Tom, That looks great. Maybe you could do the same thing for a little boy we all know in Roseyville NC.................Tim

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[#ditto] Tim and Dave, please take a [bow] for that post. [:D]

[Anonymous]

That's an awesome layout there Tom....and quite professional job with the benchwork as well! I know it takes a bit of work to get that accomplished with still more work to do, but it's always worth it! Keep up the good work and keep us updated.

[MartyE]

Tom

What do you think of the Lionel Zoo?

[spankybird]

Marty - overall I like it. IT is very quit running. I do think the animals are a little on the small side, but the overall building is very good.

This is going to be placed on top of a mountain with the Lionel pony ride and a small HO train running around it and some more zoo animals around it.

[darianj]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wrmcclellan

Tim,

It would be even easier for that young man in Roseyville, NC. Just have to lay the foam on the floor! [}:)]

Really nice work Tom. I look forward to seeing the finised product.

[Jumijo]

Any new photos to share?

Jim

[spankybird]

Just got home from the museum. I will be taking some tonight. The shelves have taken forever to get done.

[johnandjulie13]

Hello Spanky:

I am still curious as to how the unit will be transported.

Regards,

John O

[spankybird]

We are moving it in a 16 foot truck. The height of the table is only 31" inches, therefore it will fit the the sliding glass door of her house (with door removed). 6 of us will pick it up, put it into the truck, and when we get there, I will remove the mountain, and buildings, then turn it on its side, thru the door and turned back upright.

All the buildings are wired with quick disconnects.

[Anonymous]

That is a cool track plan.

[spankybird]

Here are some updated pics as work continues