BIGGER SG layout ideas/dreams- what to put on a 2'x2' liftout?

Good luck with the big addition. You and your trains will be very happy if you can use 72" diameter track ....smoother running  ..longer trains ...better looking ... 

just encase you need a visual inspirational video ...check out this layout near Allentown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE-0isDfUVs

Cheers Carey 

A park, with trees, benches and people. Flagpole, a bandstand, etc.

Actually, instead of a hinged door or a "lift out" (going above), I think a "set down" cut out, that has supporting pieces below it that could move with the opening piece that could then be set down below underneath might be a better solution. Very fortunate and blessed that my husband is a master woodworker. I think something up and he can build it for me.

When I built mine on my layout (inside my tunnel), I designed it so that it drops down, but is on a hinge, so that it just swings out of the way, rather than having to realign it when putting it back in. I just put a latch at the other end. 

As for what to put on it, I really like the park idea, and I would make the panel the whole park. Use bushes around the edge of the platform to hide the door edges, and if you only put trees, benches, etc, it should be light when moving it back into place. 

Carey TeaRose posted:

Actually, instead of a hinged door or a "lift out" (going above), I think a "set down" cut out, that has supporting pieces below it that could move with the opening piece that could then be set down below underneath might be a better solution. Very fortunate and blessed that my husband is a master woodworker. I think something up and he can build it for me.

Seems to me I remember a member used an 1 1/2" closet rod dowel in a corner of the lift up shelf. Once up high enough he swiveled it out of the way over the layout. Can't remember how he set the height when on swivel, perhaps a small dowel pin or cotter key.  Maybe he'll show up here and explain the system better. Ted

As nice as a park may sound, I'm not too big on that idea for myself.

What about bolting down a #124 station (13-5/8" long) and a #155 freight shed (18" long)?  And some Barclay folks glued down? The door on one side could be in front of a spur line. 

TedW posted:

Carey TeaRose posted:

Actually, instead of a hinged door or a "lift out" (going above), I think a "set down" cut out, that has supporting pieces below it that could move with the opening piece that could then be set down below underneath might be a better solution. Very fortunate and blessed that my husband is a master woodworker. I think something up and he can build it for me.

Seems to me I remember a member used an 1 1/2" closet rod dowel in a corner of the lift up shelf. Once up high enough he swiveled it out of the way over the layout. Can't remember how he set the height when on swivel, perhaps a small dowel pin or cotter key.  Maybe he'll show up here and explain the system better. Ted

TedW & Carey,

it was Alex Muller (Ingenerio No. 1) on his Hidden Pass Junction layout build thread. I was going to post the link, but discovered all of his photos were 3rd party hosted and are no longer there. I spoke with him and he will remedy that at some point. He had many clever techniques.

Somehow, it was a simple rotate and lock when the rod was extended to hold it up. The hatch rotated about 180° away the hole.

Carey TeaRose posted:

As nice as a park may sound, I'm not too big on that idea for myself.

What about bolting down a #124 station (13-5/8" long) and a #155 freight shed (18" long)?  And some Barclay folks glued down? The door on one side could be in front of a spur line. 

You know the phrase by now ... it's your layout - do whatever you like - but, consider that the hatch should be as light as can be easily handled.

Carey Williams posted:

Good luck with the big addition. You and your trains will be very happy if you can use 72" diameter track ....smoother running  ..longer trains ...better looking ... 

 

just encase you need a visual inspirational video ...check out this layout near Allentown.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE-0isDfUVs

Cheers Carey 

Carey, That layout just floors me every time I see it (did you notice the custom 381E with 408 motors and extended platforms? I may just have to have one of those).

Jim