Ok, so I got nearly no room for a layout of any sort right now, but really want to do a switch layout. Give this beginner tips if this idea is possible. Using a 6 foot folding table as the platform and using EZ Track or something like that to quickly set up a switch layout out for an afternoon of fun.
Please dont bash, just trying to get ideas. Thanks!
BoaUsing a 6 foot folding table as the platform and using EZ Track or something like that to quickly set up a switch layout out for an afternoon of fun.
You didn't mention scale -- most people who don't mention scale are in HO, so we'll assume that.
You'll find a number of HO switching layouts in 4 square feet or less on Carl Arendt's site. Although the EZ Track is not as efficient in terms of space as some other track choices, these "4 square foot" designs would probably lay out out reasonably well in your space.
Another choice might be Linn Westcott's Switchman's Nightmare, which might fit in your space, even with EZ Track.
Best of luck.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Welcome to the forums.
Do you have a 6' section of wall where you could put a shelf layout? I think you would be much happier if you could leave it set up and be able to do at least some scenic work. Even if you can't attach to the walls, you could make a self supporting shelf to go behind a couch, bookcase or some such. If you used extruded foam for your layout surface, it would be very lightweight.
Another option would be to make something that could be stored under a bed, then placed on a table when you want to operate.
Good luck,
Richard
Switchman's Nightmare has always been a favorite of mine. At one point I lived in an apartmetn with what they called a "walk in closet" off the bedroom, however this was basically a small room with no provisions for hanging clothes or anything. I installed metal shelf brackets on 3 walls and got 2 of the three sides built, the first was another one of the small switching plans from 101 Track Plans, APple Creek Junction I think it was called. The middle section was just somethign I made up with a coupel of switchign spots, and the plan for the third wall was Switchman's Nightmare. I never got it all built but I did have a mockup in an old PC layout program called Design Your Own Railroad, and I operated it many times (virtually). You cna keep quite busy with even somethign that small - there is always space, somehow, someway.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Have you looked at the thread (http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/195425.aspx) for the Summer Shunting Shelf project? granted it's N-scale but the concept of a folding layout sounds like a good be for a limited, part time space.
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/
I remember MR having a three page article around 1954 showing several possible layouts in TT, HO, and even O set up on folding wallpaper hanging tables. There have been many plans puplished for the previously mentioned roughly 16" X 72". or similar shelf.. I built a couple switchback layouts on hollow core doors. Lately I've been going through some of my old magazines, and have seen many coffee table layouts. Have even been a couple suggestions of using something like a couple Trestle Table type legs, with a pivoting layout. Just a couple inverted "T" type legs, casters on the T crossbars. The "T"s are joined by a couple rods or dowels. At the top of the "T"s, holes are bored to allow a reasonable sized layout to be suspended by some kind of pivot pipe going from the layout ends through the verticals. Store it in a convenient closet with the layout vertical, roll it out and rotate 90 degrees to horizontal, fasten it in that position somehow, and start operating.. Might be practical to maybe a 3' X 6' size, Not bad in HO, really good in N or Z.
With N or Z, in an extreme, there have been working layouts built into brief cases.
I'm just guessing you are in an apartment or other situation where putting holes in the walls would be frowned on.
Boa Ok, so I got nearly no room for a layout of any sort right now, but really want to do a switch layout. Give this beginner tips if this idea is possible. Using a 6 foot folding table as the platform and using EZ Track or something like that to quickly set up a switch layout out for an afternoon of fun. Please dont bash, just trying to get ideas. Thanks!
Take another look at what you have. You may have more space than you think...
Also, if you are considering N scale, forget EZ track. Unreliable (trust me, I've used it, no good came from it). If you want track w/ roadbed, use Kato Unitrack. The Model Railroader staff has used it many times on project railroads, and it looks great.
If you use special sections, such as a double slip or single slip switch, you will be able to get more on the layout. Also, I think you would enjoy the layout more if it were set up w/ scenery.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.
-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.
I build 2x4 modules and mix and match them to the space I have. When I get a larger place I can do lots of things with them. I used the MR project Wisconsin & Southern Troy Branch as a starting point. The MR project is 22x33 I took what I liked and crammed it into 2x8 and it's coming along nicely.
RMax
Boa I got nearly no room for a layout of any sort right now, but really want to do a switch layout. Give this beginner tips if this idea is possible. Using a 6 foot folding table as the platform and using EZ Track or something like that to quickly set up a switch layout out for an afternoon of fun.
I got nearly no room for a layout of any sort right now, but really want to do a switch layout. Give this beginner tips if this idea is possible. Using a 6 foot folding table as the platform and using EZ Track or something like that to quickly set up a switch layout out for an afternoon of fun.
It certainly is possible to make a small switching layout.
But why on a folding table? Is there an implied/unstated desire to have a loop of track on a 4 foot or so deep table for continuous run? Is there reason why you can't simply make a small layout on a shelf along one or two walls of a room?
For instance, I have a 15" deep and 11 foot long switching layout on the wall above my computer desk. Looks like this at the moment:watch?v=obrNP0qt4 Not very finished - I tend to be distracted into running as soon as tracks work, and it takes me forever to do scenery and buildings. But you can make a much smaller switching layout - e.g. like these H0 scale track plans:
Or you could do something along these lines:
A 2 x 8 foot layout in H0 scale could be done in about 14" x 4 1/2 feet in N scale. Small switching layouts clearly are possible.
So what are you looking for, and why the folding table ? Smile, Stein
The May 1999 Model Railroader has a neat little switching layout using a sector table. It starts on page 74. The size is 17" by 54". It would be a good starting point for what you're looking for.
Nate
Looking purely at a layout base - try a 1 x (as wide as you can find at your local lumber emporium) that can be stood on end against the wall behind an open door when not in use. Track can be laid directly on the board. (My local prototype switching area has the tie-tops at ground level.)
When ready to use, place on a table or across two chair-backs, connect power, add rolling stock and whatever buildings you've provided for and you're in the railroad business.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - including a 15 x 96 switching module on bare pine boards)
Why not a narrow (say 15") hollow core door? A lot more sturdy and dimensionally stable than a 1x pine board.