Is there such a thing as a table rotisserie?

You could use a auto shop Motor Mount Stand to rotate a motor block size model or layout.

You would need a adapter to attach the model to the support arms.

A full pig or beef size BBQ Rotisserie might also work.

Free used BBQs show up daily on craigslist, and you can use it as a paint spray cabinet too.

but...... would'nt.... the water in your swimming pool add on-to-the-layout ......spill....??

When I do module work I hang the modules from the ceiling by it's side.  Simply roll the module 90 degrees up on it's side and use a bungee cord to connect with a ceiling hook.  Makes wiring a breeze.  Just sit on a stool and go for it.

If you do a search on this I remember seeing someone do this here. Cant remember when for sure though

There is a small magazine type single publication out there. The author (I believe) was giving them away at York a few meets ago. Did not use the word "rotisserie" so might look for articles with "flip" or similar context.

I was thinking engine stand like Totrainyard.  Are you thinking permanent attachment or just while you redo the RBTC?  If it's just for the rebuild TomTee's suggestion would work if you can mount that hook into beam in the ceiling.

@coach joe posted:

I was thinking engine stand like Totrainyard.  Are you thinking permanent attachment or just while you redo the RBTC?  If it's just for the rebuild TomTee's suggestion would work if you can mount that hook into beam in the ceiling.

Just be for the rebuild, but, since I plan to do the wiring in the heated living room (as opposed to the unheated garage),  a hook in the ceiling simply isn't On. 

Mitch

Mitch;

Not sure of the details of your setup - could you attach something to the wall at the back edge??? For example, if you could attach a cleat to the wall, you could hinge the table top so you could raise it up to get easy access to the wiring.

@Apples55 posted:

Not sure of the details of your setup - could you attach something to the wall at the back edge??? For example, if you could attach a cleat to the wall, you could hinge the table top so you could raise it up to get easy access to the wiring.

The basic idea is to get all the wiring done before I put the layout in place.   Since this is still going to more or less be a glorified test track, it's not going to have much wiring; mostly track power feeds, cables for the remote switches, one or two building lights and a couple of signal activation tracks.  I COULD just set things up on a couple of tables, but I'm trying to save myself a bit of effort when flipping the platform over to fasten wires down, test connexions and so forth.

Mitch

Mitch I figured the hook would be a no go.  Engine stands are a good idea but costly for the one time use.  How about folding table legs that would allow you to lay the table top on it's side and support it that way.  You could work from the top side down toward the middle, then flip it on the other side and work up from the middle towards the top again.

No damage to the room and a set of legs is much less expensive than two engine stands.

@coach joe posted:

Mitch I figured the hook would be a no go.  Engine stands are a good idea but costly for the one time use.  How about folding table legs that would allow you to lay the table top on it's side and support it that way.  You could work from the top side down toward the middle, then flip it on the other side and work up from the middle towards the top again.

No damage to the room and a set of legs is much less expensive than two engine stands.

Definitely an idea!  I'm also thinking of a Lazy Susan type swivel on each end, attached to some sort of support. 

Mitch

I've seen a couple of layouts that were on a central swivel so they could be serviced or stored out of the way. The size was 4x8. One was for sale out here in So. Cal. Both were H.O.

In the alternative, you could hinge your bench work sections so they could be tilted upward for servicing the wiring.

There is a product on the big auction site that was made for pinball machine repair.  Go to the bay and search: Pinball Machine Repair Playfield Rotisserie Spin Jig Rotator for Table.  Wee bit pricey, but not bad for a ready made solution.  Not sure a 4 foot wide table would fit either.  Perhaps it gives you some build ideas though...

I'm not a pinball guy (nor pinball wizard, nor pinhead), but seems to be a lot of rotisserie utilization in that hobby.  Here is a DIY that I found: https://pinside.com/pinball/fo...ie-guide#post-330066

I have a pinball machine, just one for now, I have seen those in use, they work great for working on a playfield.  Never wanted to buy one, since I know that I will never get that many pinballs to make it work. 

Linn Wescott pictured a layout rotisserie in one of his benchwork manuals. Also, I believe Mike CT on the forum has tilted modules for wiring.

On large layouts I try to do as much pre wiring as possible through the  basic bench work cross members before the decking goes on.

The shop where we did my '67 restomod had a Eastwood.   Yes, overkill for a train project, but may get some ides on making your own?

The check out this cool gaming table.   Watch the video. On this method, you would build two end pieces the same height as the width of your table.  Notch out the top of each.   Then on your train table, attach 2" OD pipe on the ends, centered.  YOu can make them temporary attachments.   Then simply sit the pipes into the notches on your new end pieces.   Once flipped, use something to keep the table in position.

Fat Cat Table Video

Not sure how big the module you are working on but perhaps a black and decked work mate fold up bench would work. The top has a kind of built in vise that you could clamp the module in and it would be perpendicular to the floor.

@Rich883 posted:

Not sure how big the module you are working on but perhaps a black and decked work mate fold up bench would work. The top has a kind of built in vise that you could clamp the module in and it would be perpendicular to the floor.

In this case, I'm working with a full size 4 x 8 sheet of plywood, which will have a 4 x 8 sheet of Homasote covering it and a 1 x 3 frame underneath.   

Mitch- what about a pair of lazy-susan bearings? It could work similar to the pool table pivot above.

@EscapeRocks David's idea above sounds easy as well. Get a pair of threaded pipe flanges and some short pipe nipples.

Bob

i have seen youtube videos of people that have put layouts in their garage and use a winch to raise and lower it. So you could use a system like that to raise just one side.  Also Harbor Freight sells a drywall lift so that might be an option. 

Mitch, I saw a came table on the HGTV house re modeler show that had a ping-pong table that was a rotisserie mount. It was similar to the engine or car body set up.... and after searching for 30 min. I could not find the video..... (Kitteh would have been disappointed with me) However...

They fabricated one out of wood. I also saw a similar design made out of metal tubing. He did use a center pivot point (pipe in pipe sleeve for the bearing/load and for the "T", and the Triangle T for stability)...... Interesting add was on the metal tubing. It had a spring handle that pulled the two stabilizing pins back from the table, allowing the table to rotate. When it lined up again, the used compressed the handle, retracting the pins, lined up the holes and the springs return the pins to stabilize the table again.

A Photo is worth a thousand words from an old-retired-motorcoach driver... so ill find one.

cheers!

Salute to the Kitteh

@RSJB18 posted:

@EscapeRocks David's idea above sounds easy as well. Get a pair of threaded pipe flanges and some short pipe nipples.

EscapeRocks said ripples

Based on your module size of 4x8 with framing, plywood and homasote, respectfully I think that you should look to plug a heater in the garage vs moving it i the house.  That will be a very heavy piece of wood, and  hard to maneuver.