Lionel Pre-War Factory Standard Gauge Display Layout _ Updated 2/12/21

Thanks again Gerry, Great photo and family history. Please keep us all posted on your progress. 

Quick update. Finished trimming the top masonite panel and attached it so there's a small reveal all the way around. I wanted to nail it on so it looked old school and there was no real advantage to making it removable.  I had some wire nails I had bought years ago that had tarnished. They look better than new shiny nails that would stick out like a sore thumb. This is where it pays to be a hoarder. 

Got the Type T transformer mounted. Still have to sort out the wiring and position of the knife switches and the rheostat. 

Gerry C

I just tried to use my Dad’s old step transformer and rheostat on my prewar table layout but it didn’t have enough oomph to make the 262 go, so I switched to a Z. I’ll share my little control panel when I am back at my desk.

Will posted:

I just tried to use my Dad’s old step transformer and rheostat on my prewar table layout but it didn’t have enough oomph to make the 262 go, so I switched to a Z. I’ll share my little control panel when I am back at my desk.

Will did you try running it off the highest variable voltage taps without the rheostat ? Or try the highest fixed voltage without the rheostat just to see if the problem is the  transformer or the rheostat.

Is it a Type T or Type A?  Type A aren't very powerful .

Must be the Type A- Anyway it's packed away now. I made this little control panel for one corner- the layout has two switches and 2 blocks. The corners are chamfered because it will be set up in the living room- it is a sort of prewar table layout. I'll have it mostly finished next Christmas, but right now it's in storage.

I see a photo of knife switches but where are they on the layout?

Very nice switch panel and your trains in the backround look beautiful. Have they always been in the family ?

Those pilot lamps are cool what did you use for the base ?

The knife switches aren't mounted yet. I'm either going to steal them from a 439 Panel board or 437 Switch tower. 

Yes my Dad's original 262e and switches. The panel is masonite with angled base. Rattle can paint finish. If you mean the bases for the bulbs, they are from a streetlight.

Gerry, any updates on the layout?

Thanks for asking. I suppose I fall into that category of train collector/enthusiast who only dedicates time to the hobby during the winter months. My summer work and family schedule just doesn't allow enough time for the model trains although I do still enjoy checking in on the OGR forum regularly.

I'm back on it now and hope to post some updates soon so stay tuned !

Just finished reading all the progress posts. Awesome train layout and in great condition. I love the carpentry pics and precicse workmanship. Super cool! Can't wait for more pics.

Brief holiday update. When I  the found the 199 Scenic Railway it was missing the Corner Grass Plot ( #132) two Heart Shape Plots (#133) and a Circular Grass Plot (#135). Back in 1925 these were available separately from the Lionel catalog at a cost of  $2.50, $1.50 and $1.00 respectively . I don't believe many of them were sold however, and the majority of the ones that were have been lost to time. If you saw one on a swap meet table you probably wouldn't think much of it.  These are not to be confused with the similar shaped pieces found on the Lionel 914 Park Landscape or 927 Flag Pole Plot which were constructed from wood or composite .

(Above) Lionel 914 Park Landscape w/ Composite Heart Shaped Plots

These plots were made of formed sheet metal, colored with green paint and sawdust grass and are very difficult to find. I got lucky and purchased all 4 pieces from a man whose uncle had a large pre-war layout built in Newark NJ back in the day. Let's just say they cost me a tad more than the 1925 prices but it was well worth it to me to complete the set. I'm calling them a Christmas present to myself  ;-)

(Above) Lionel Corner Grass Plot No. 132

(Above) Lionel Heart Shape Plots (No. 133) and Circular Plot (No 135)

The next task is to gather up enough period correct trees and shrubs to finish the landscaping. Some I have found by buying damaged or incomplete Scenic Home Plots or the Lionel Grove of Trees.

Anyway I'm about as excited as a person can get for finding 4 pieces of old stamped steel...Merry Christmas !

Very nice inspiring work! The scenic plot parts are very cool.

Gerry,

Would you be kind enough to share dimensions on that center elevation/base?  Approximate will be just fine.  My wheels are turning, and I am afflicted with scary thoughts about trying to replicate or approximate or at least evoke a sense of this fine display.  I wouldn't try to duplicate the tin work:  I'm thinking I could maybe try some foam . . . .

I can't say enough good things about your project!

@palallin posted:

Gerry,

Would you be kind enough to share dimensions on that center elevation/base?  Approximate will be just fine.  My wheels are turning, and I am afflicted with scary thoughts about trying to replicate or approximate or at least evoke a sense of this fine display.  I wouldn't try to duplicate the tin work:  I'm thinking I could maybe try some foam . . . .

I can't say enough good things about your project!

Sure thing. I will try to get up there and take measurements tomorrow. You might consider the old felt cloth and plaster technique. Lionel's 920 Scenic Park , which was offered during the same time period,  used this technique for the elevation (I think.)

@palallin

Here's some measurements I took today. As you can see the elevation is trapezoidal (I think that's a word)  in shape. The platform where the bungalows and trees sit is approx. 3-1/4"  high but the hammered sheet metal around the sides  varies in height with the highest point being approx. 4" high.

Hope this helps.

Thank you VERY much!  That is good info!

Hoping to see more progress on your cool project. Cheers

Very impressive!

Fantastic so far!  Looking forward to future updates!

Bob Nelson

@navy.seal posted:

Fantastic so far!  Looking forward to future updates!

Bob Nelson

Thanks. I'm feeling a little guilty because I've been slacking this winter and this is really the time to get it done. A while back I spotted a flaw in the my table design and I knew I had to address it before installing all the scenery and trackage so that slowed me down somewhat.

While my table supports the display in the same way it would be supported by placing it on the floor or in a store window, there is nothing to support the center of the panels should they begin to sag or if someone were to lean on them to reach something. On a floor or platform the panels could only sag until they touched the floor...a distance of only about 5/16 of an inch. Set upon the table there is no limit to how much they could potentially sag. I solved this by adding (12) hardwood supports which work much the same as slats in a bedframe. This provides plenty of support while still allowing for easy wiring underneath.

So with that excuse gone,  it's time to put it all together !

any updates?