3 loops ping pong table Fastrack layout

Hi leszek,

I really like your layout and I want to do the same. Can you let me know which model/brand ping pong table you used? I did some searching (target/amazon/sears/etc...), but the sub $150 tables seem like they have lots of assembly problems. Also, any issues with drilling through the table? Also, which grass mat did you use? I usually order from modeltrainstuff, so if I can find it there, I can save a lot of time setting everything up.

Thanks and great layout!

Bill

I purchased the "Joola Inside" table.  It was not a sub $150 but it was a sub $300 when it was on-sale.  No assembly problems.  Sturdy and easy to drill through so it was worth the price for me.  The grass mats are "Bachmann Scene Scapes" acquired locally but I think most stores do carry them.

Also it appears easy (although more track/switch expense) to install switches and connecting track between loops on the bottom side to allow trains to travel the reverse direction on the layout.

Yes, however I wanted room for station platforms there.

What have you done, if anything,  to deaden the noise from three train sets running simultaneously on the hollow fastrack on a relatively thin noise amplifying ping pong table surface? Is the track simply laid on the grass mat or fastened in any way? Is the mat glued directly to the table surface, or just laying on it? Is there any type of sound quieting absorbing material laid down between grass mat and table's surface?

Thanks for replying.

The 5/8" wood composite table does not amplify the noise.  At least not that I can tell.  I glued the grass mat directly to the table's surface.  I used no deadening materials.  Up to half throttle the noise is virtually non existent. Past that it builds up gradually to where it becomes annoying at around 8/10 - 9/10 throttle. Of course this is very subjective.  My kids run the trains at 100% throttle without blinking an eye.

Hi leszek,

Sorry for the delay in replying, I went on vacation after I posted my message and got back yesterday. Thanks for letting me know the details, I checked out the Joola Inside, currently at $399 on Amazon, so I'll hold off until a price drop on it. It's a heavy at 150lbs (not sure how I'll manage getting this into the basement,) but based on reviews, if it survives shipping, it's well built, practically all assembled and very sturdy.

Thanks again!

Bill

Hi Thanks for posting this I'm going to attempt it I think.  I'm pretty new to this so this is probably a dumb question.  What are the small unmarked pieces in the track diagram?

Sb posted:

What are the small unmarked pieces in the track diagram?

1.75" pieces 6-12026

Great layout!  My son has triplet boys and they are visiting this summer.  I'm normally a N scale modeler, but for them I have gone 0/027.   This layout is temporary and I don't want to damage the table.  I'm using foam squares to cover the PP-table, the interlocking kind used on floors for kids play areas or garages.  They have a smooth side and a "rough" side.   I needed something, as the hard, shiny table allowed the track to slide. They are cheap and can be trimmed to the edges of the table. Running wires under them requires nothing or a little "v" notch. They also provide some help with track noise. The interlocking teeth smooth out once in place and the foam gets warm.

My question is, has anyone developed a track inventory for this layout?

Thanks, Ralph

I also can't tell from the picture, are you using power blocks or lionchief to achieve the independent train control?

Ralph

I use lionchief

Track
6-12014, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 10". 13
6-12015, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Curve 18", angle 45º (O36) 8
6-12018, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Right turnout 10". (O36) (manual) 4
6-12023, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Curve 18", angle 11.25º (O36) 5
6-12024, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 5". 3
6-12025, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 4 1/2". 11
6-12026, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 1 3/4". 30
6-12036, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Grade crossing 10". 1
6-12042, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 30". 3
6-12043, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Curve 24", angle 30º (O48) 12
6-12059, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Buffer/Bumper 3 5/8". 3
6-16824, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Left turnout 10". (O36) Command Control 5
6-37103, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Curve 15 1/2", angle 45º (O31) 8

I have built this layout and would like some information regarding the structures showing in the picture.  Where did you get the structures and what re the model numbers?

Most my friends, (yes, I do have a few friends ), have a Ping Pong Table layout because of restrictions of small available rooms for a layout, or a garage layout. I'm really amazed by some of these layouts and what running and switching that they were able to incorporate in the given space.

Nice setup maximizing play value together with the maximum use of available surface space on a ping pong table. Thanks for posting.

I have already constructed the layout as per your diagram. I built the table using plywood and Styrofoam insulation

I would also like to now where you got your structures or (what other information) you can supply!

I'm really stuck on the wiring!

I 'm really looking forward to your reply!!

Thank you,

flynn9340@outlook.com

jf9340 posted:

I have already constructed the layout as per your diagram. I built the table using plywood and Styrofoam insulation

I would also like to now where you got your structures or (what other information) you can supply!

I'm really stuck on the wiring!

I 'm really looking forward to your reply!!

Thank you,

flynn9340@outlook.com

 

Yeah, my wiring is a mess.  I run everything off of the Lionel 180W brick, so everything sees 18V AC all the time.

This is a lionel coaling station.  All buildings are lit via LED strips off of ebay (around $1 per foot of leds) I wire two strips with opposite polarities to the 18V AC line in each building so that the light output does not flicker (even though the individual strips do)

MTH train station and some no-name platforms.  Same deal with LED strips.

Lionel train shed.  Same LED treatment.  All buildings were purchased used, unlit from ebay so no model numbers sorry.