Jeff's Layout build update 3/6/15

As someone currently without a layout, I wholehartedly agree!  Keep us updated with your progress

I couldn't agree more. Why don't you document the whole process and submit to OGR for possible publishing? 

 

Regardless, keep us posted with your layout as it progresses!

 

--Greg

You have about the same space to work with as I do. This is 10' by just under 4'. Any layout size is good just to get the trains out of the box.

 

 

Roman could I see more of your layout would love to get ideas on how you did your turns and more

Jeff, what are the dimensions of your layout table.

 

Richie

Me and my daughter are building it and I will post the whole process . Should be interesting my daughter is going to do all landscape and this may be the last real time to bond with my 17 year old before college and life it self.

10 x a little under 4

Any layout, is railroading. Be surprised how many 4X8s, 4X10s, and 5X10s there are. Also the amount of Modeling, scenery, switching and running can come from a "small Layout". Keep us informed on your progress.

Check out some of the 4x8 layout designs on the Thors Trains website.  Keep in mind, that you can elongate them by adding xtra straight tracks.

 

Richie

No such thing as a mini layout sir, you build what you can and enjoy it! Looks like a great start. Clean slate, endless possibilities

I love to see folks getting their kids involved!  Keep us posted!  

 

-Nick

Nice! Use what room you have.

 

My layout is a 4'x6' built to slide under a standard bed. It has 4 switches and two levels.

 

I also have legs to get it off the floor if i need to leave it up.

 

Matt

you can always put an upper section.  it also looks like you have a heavy enough frame that you could "hinge" another section in and lower that section when the car is outside.

Well, here is the start of my 4 x 10 with a little 2 x 3ft on the far end.  It is going to be a postwar style layout with a few Lionel operating accessories.

Nice start, Jeff!  I am looking forward to following your progress. One of the great things about O-gauge is that you can pack a lot of action in a small space and still enjoy big trains.

I think that is fantastic that your 17 year old daughter wants to help you. you've got a great girl there. Enjoy.

Jeff,

     You have the splendid beginning of what I'm sure will progress into a great layout.  There are a lot of things you can do with the space you have available especially if you decide to put in an elevated section.  Good luck and have fun.

What do I get to cover plywood 1/2 inch pink insulation board and that way takes some of the noise away. But how does that effect when putting screws in.

bigdogjeff,

    When I use the old acoustical ceiling tile I order the longer screws and go right down into the plywood, just do not over tighten, you want level track to run on.  I get the screws from McMasters-Carr on the web, delivered right to my front door.  Do an OGR Search and the prior threads on this subject, should come up for you to read.  All the details are there for ya.

PCRR/Dave

you'll have a lot of fun with that. great that your daughter is involved.

Jeff you are off to a great start. Please keep the photos coming as you progress.

 

Brad

Thanks for all the comments I will be posting the whole project. Tonight I am drilling holes in cross beams so when I run wires they will be nice and neat and not hanging and maybe running hot and ground wire around the lay out for all the accessories And for the switches. I am trying to do this before I screw the top on the layout.

It's a layout.

What do you plan to use for track?

 

You can fit some fun in there with a figure 8 like Larry has in his. It keeps it interesting and still leaves room for structures.

 

The foam won't do much for sound attenuation. It will give your daughter a place to carve terrain and rivers and ponds, etc.

 

Cheap latex paint for a base color.

 

I am using o31 track

I don't know what 031 is? Lionel O or 027? K-Line?

 

The reason that I ask is Atlas and Gargraves will fit concentric circles on your space <48" for an inner an outer loop at 4.5" and 5" center rail spacing respectively.

 

Do you have a track plan in mind ?

 

Moonman - You can fit some fun in there with a figure 8 like Larry has in his. It keeps it interesting and still leaves room for structures.

 

is there a link to a track plan or photo of "Larry's" layout

 

thanks - rdeal

Look at Larry3railtrains post(photos) above-it's a 4 x 8 with a 2 x 3 added on the end.

Ouch, 41, I have an idea that's almost done for around 45". Ok, back to the drawing board.  Are you open to cutting tracks to make fit straights and 1/4 and 1/2 curves?

You can get a more interesting shape that way.

 

I was thinking along those lines. The 8 is just using standard pieces. Just trying to come with something that you can put together and get your landscaper to work. 

 

Do you think this could work somehow 

First, this quote above is great, no other way to put it.  I do not have kids yet, but... in today's world, to hear of a 17 year old girl (or even boy) helping their dad with something like this, its just refreshing.  I hope you guys have a blast putting this together.

 

Second, I'm glad you didnt get bombarded with "you should've built the bench this way or that" "dont use that track, use this track" "add another level" "where is your reverse loop?"  That information is very helpful and appreciated, yes, but... too much of it can be overwhelming and almost make you question everything you have done or were planning to do.  (Absolutely no offense to anybody that has offered this information.)

Stick with what you have in mind, (I'm not even sure if I have any room to talk, I have no trains up) and start going at it. 

You could use pink/blue foam or homasote on the table top. 2" foam would allow you to place culverts under the tracks if you so desire for a scenic water feature. Unless you  are carting this thing all over, the screws are just there to locate things. Using Woodland Scenics risers you could conceivably angle the table top and use the risers to keep the tracks level.

I could get all but the siding at the bottom into 41.5". It's a 48"plan. let me try to squeeze it a little.

I really don't need the siding 

jeff,

here it is stretched for 10' and barely fits in 41". If you have 41-1/4" or 41-1/2" it would help. track plan attached.

 

Forgot to mention-3 cut straights for fitment.

 

Build the left side curves. If they fit it will fit.

Like you said, any layout is better than no layout, enjoy your trains, that's why you got them

:

Thanks moon man that is for the old lionel track I don't have fast track

Maybe I will simplify this layout since space is issue . I will lay some track down to see .