two level layout

[daniel1967]

I'm building a two level ho scale layout. It is anchored to the wall at one end(app.6' x6'). The rest is free standing (4' x 12') to a 12' x 12' end with a 4' x4' open control pit. The bottom level is complete and very substantial... It is made of shipping pallets locked together by 1" x 6"x 4' subroadbed with lots of support legs...I'll leave it at that[:D] I had planned to lay the track first, for all the obvious reasons, than build the 2nd level benchwork ...but now doubt is setting in... [V] any experience???

[dgwinup]

Do the trackwork while you can still get to it all, and make sure is is working FLAWLESSLY before covering it up with other levels.

You will be happy you did it that way!

Darrell, quiet...for now

[Anonymous]

Makes sense to me darrel. Laying track on the bottom level after you have built the top is almost like building a tunnel and then trying to lay track inside it. Get your lower level down pat then build level 2.

[daniel1967]

thanks... specially since thats exactly what I wanted/needed to hear... not horror stories of track getting damaged no-matter how careful you be) etc...

*boys- I think we may have trains running for x-mas on the mighty MOHEES CENTRAL !

[hamstreetjohn]

make sure that when you fix the track down you use pins or screws. I used a much advertised double sided tape to fix mine. Ten years down the line I have a switchback I can hardly see leave alone reach,but no major derailments yet.The only way to sort it out is to dismantle the railway, so take warning[:)]

[orsonroy]

Actually, I built ALL my benchwork first, and then added track, on my three level. That way, all the heavy construction was done and out of the way, and I could concentrate on layoing the mainline and getting trains running. Oh, and remember to paint your backdrop after the supports are in, but before any of the subroadbed or track is in!

[Anonymous]

Ok,now you have the first level ready and the second level is ready to be built. 1. )Do you get up there by using a helix? 2. ) If so what radius is used if the layout is approx. 4X9? 3. ) Is the top smaller in size than the bottom section? 4.) How much above the bottom level is the top level? 5.) What height is best for the bottom level and what height would the top level be at? The layout will be continuous at least at one level with switching at both. Equipment so far is Digitrax Zephr, shay loco, mogul,and decopod. Era is transition in the upper west coast area(GN). Products moved could be apples,dairy,cattle,coal. This info added in case it helps in my questions. Probably not but want to cover most of the basics.