This is a side project that I started last winter after reading a thread speculating how to build a rotisserie style layout. I've thrown my O&W project on the back burner. If nothing else, my Utica Division thread really showed me that despite my grand ideas and tons of input from you guys, I really just don't have the space/basement layout to accomplish what I want. I'm still kicking around a modular setup, but as most of the structures will need to be scratch built, that will be down the road. I'll most likely end up with just an separate thread for my O&W themed projects while I let the layout part of the project simmer.
But, I still need a place to run some trains. With winter rolling around again, and some nasty weather preventing me from doing anything outside, it was the perfect time to get moving on this project again.
Here is the thread that started this all: https://ogrforum.com/t...52#34654645660858052
All of that was accomplished last winter. As I am definitely not a carpenter, it was a lot of trial and error. I had originally tried to recycle some lumber that was left in in the house when I bought it, but it ended up being warped/twisted just enough to throw everything off, resulting in a rebuild of the base. The complete table breaks down into five pieces, so it can be dismantled and moved if needed. Eight bolts hold it all together and the table just rests in a couple notches in the end frames. The pieces of lumber on the hinges hold the table stationary. I've put about 80 lbs on the table edge towards the middle, and had about 1/8" deflection. That was well within my own safety standards for weight capacity. The table itself can be opened, with a long piano hinge and four clasps allowing access. Inside, the framing has holes cut in it to allow for wires to run inside the table. The side of the table that lifts, will have foamboard glued to it to help make it more rigid.
After getting that far, spring came and the trains dropped in priority to outdoor projects. I did make the decision to to a tinplate style layout on one side, and began collecting tracks and accessories for that. I am still up in the air on what I want to put on the other side, although I am leaning towards an HO layout to run my HO O&W equipment. Now that wintertime is approaching again, and with the weather being kind of crappy out, I decided to test fit everything that I accrued. I have to move one siding (not a big deal, and not pictured due to the following issue), and had to buy another switch. A box labelled "right hand" switch in fact had a left hand switch in it. As I had bought them all from different vendors, there was no way to pin who had sold me the incorrect switch. My bad for not checking sooner.
The table got cleared off and primed tonight. I'll be painting it green tomorrow, and hopefully begin securing track. I'll keep posting pictures as it progresses! Still have a few more accessories I'd like, and should have the last of the track I need, a switch and two uncoupling sections, in my hands by the end of the week.
