Interesting about using the Ikea bookcases. Did the cost of lumber move you in that direction? It's probably faster than constructing the layout, but I think tables are sturdier than shelves.
Hello All,
kasskabooseInteresting about using the Ikea bookcases.
I was thinking the same thing.
1971_Z28 could you give a part number or link to what you used?
My pike sits on the bed in the computer/train/spare bedroom. Bookcases might be just the ticket for my situation too.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I used the ikea bookcases because they were inexpensive and the rioght hieght and they would do the job without me buying any more tools that I would only use one time.
They are about 11 inches deep and about 37 inches tall and look kind of like bare wood crates.
I piut them about 8 inches from the wall and the foam overhangs about 8 inches off the front and I spaced them 18 to 24 inches apart and nothing is glued to them.
So far so good.
We are taking out the Backman track and replacing it with Kato track which looks a whole lot better but some scenerey will need to be moved but nothing too serious.
The boy is learning a lot about basic electricity as we add features and things to the setup which is a surprising bonus so I hope he will be able to apply what he has learned if he ever needs to troubleshoot the electrical systems in his car.
So we should not glue the track down so fast because we keep making little changes to make the train set up more fun to run.
We added a run by track in the middle where we can park a train and let another train run by and that little feature has done quite a bit for us and we also needed to add more end of run tracks because I bought more trains.
We are only adding scenery at about the same rate that we tear it out to make changes so that is like treading water and it is not getting done.
The ikea bookcases are still working out just fine.
Thanks for the update.
Your situation sounds very familiar and many can relate to your seeming one-step-forward and two-steps-back "progress".
As you are discovering, your first iteration of the actual track might need a bit of "tweaking"
On my pike I've done several re-routes to make the track as reliable as possible. This is especially true when building with smaller pikes.
If you need to temporarily adhere the track to the base I recommend Clear Silicone Caulk- -I use GE Clear Silicone Caulk either I or II. You will need a caulk gun for application.
The advantage of silicone caulk is the track can be easily removed without damaging the base. Just slide a putty knife under the track and gently wiggle it back and forth.
Look on the bright side, you are getting lots of practice with scenery!
I am really interested in the Ikea piece you used. Do you have any more information; part number, name? I realize posting photos can be an ordeal.
Again, thanks for the update and keep up the fun!
I think the bookcases are called a kallax or some name like that and they just look likke wood and have four openings in them for storage plus since they are thirty inches tall the height seemed right for my needs.
They look flimzy but in fact they have been very sturdy.
Is your kid still interested in trains?
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Happy T-day all!
Yes, avoid gluing track until you know all works and no derailment. I waited months after laying and running to even do ballasting. Of course I'll glue that down in a bit.
The boy is not as interested in the layout as he was a few weeks ago, and that is all Kevins fault.
We are still having fun with the set up that we built in the house and play with it from time to time and he is still building a few moidels for the scenery part of it and progress is still happening when we get the mood to work on it.
1971_Z28 The boy is not as interested in the layout as he was a few weeks ago,
The boy is not as interested in the layout as he was a few weeks ago,
Ah! There is where I have a similar story. I have five grandchildren. Three boys and two girls.
My eldest grandson has hardly been interested in railways. His main interests are road transport and 'Superheroes'. Yet when he arrives at our house he comes into the train room and plays with either the road transport vehicles or Superheroes. I do not interfere as he is enjoying himself.
My other grandchildren are always asking to run trains. Never seriously. That is not their type of fun. Locomotives travelling at 150mph is fun.
Superheroes Rule!
We are in charge!
Elder Granddaughter's garden railway.
By keeping it fun the grandchildren come back time and again.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
1971_Z28I think the bookcases are called a (K)allax or some name like that and they just look likke (SIC) wood and have four openings in them for storage plus since they are thirty inches tall the height seemed right for my needs.
Yes, they are the Kallax!
I order one to support the end of my pike hanging off the bed in the spare bed-/computer-/train-room.
Not only did it provide the needed support, but it also added much-needed storage with the limited space I have.
What a great find!
Thank you for your info it helped immensely.
Hope all is going well with you and your son.
Hey JJ gald to hear that worked but I find it ard to believe I was helpful to this group lol you guys work is so much better than whaty I do but I am proud to be of assistence.
We decided that today was our final modification day for the train set up and we are leaving the trac as it is and just going to work on scenics and decorations now.
Hot wheels cars do not look good, but we want hot rods on the roads does anyone have any ideas for what will not look silly.
1971_Z28We decided that today was our final modification day for the train set up and we are leaving the trac as it is and just going to work on scenics and decorations now.
Did you try out the change I suggested for the run-around track? If you did try it, did you keep it?
For what it is worth, I think the scenery your son has been building looks great. He has a real talent for it.