I want to build a portable 4x8 layout for my grandson. I was thinking of 2 4x4 plywood sheets attached with a piano hinge across 2 saw horses. Has anyone done anything like that? Is there anything special I should pay attention to?
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Here's a link to a small portable layout that might give you some ideas.
I put together a 5 x8 layout. You can check it out at https://www.facebook.com/Kurts...rd-1613097322278311/
It lays on top of my air hockey table. I just take the buildings off and all the trains. Disconnect my control board from the terminal blocks. Then put it away. It is not hinged. Check out the video on how I built it and set things up.
Thanks Kurt
I did that for 4 x 7 Christmas layout. Also for a slot car track, works fine. Power both sides, butt the track close as possible to the joint, no track pins will be needed when set up.
I did a 4x8 portable hinged table. I covered it with a green indoor /outdoor loop style carpet, then put velcro hook on the bottom of my track and such so that it would stick to the carpeted top. The inside, being hollow, was able to store things when it wasn't in use. It also has attached legs that fold away. When closed, it's 4x4 and 8" thick.
Right now the table is in my "Lego room" piled high with boxes. I'll try and get some pictures of it for you. The only design flaw was when it was closed and full of stuff, it was kind of heavy and unwieldy. It was made to haul to train shows, and did a few before it was retired. That was not because it was difficult to work with, but because the business it was built for, closed.
My portable layout is two 4x4 sheets of plywood with 1" foam on top. The two pieces attach onto a 7' folding table I bought at Lowes with carriage bolts. I then cover it with green outdoor carpet which attaches with velcro.
It is very easy to set up and stores leaned up against a wall.
Jay in Ottawa
Elliot and Jay, that is what I am looking for. Any pix would be appreciated, especially one that shows the attachment of the hinge to the plywood pieces.
If space is lacking for a "permanent" layout, consider an O27 layout 30" or 36" wide/deep along one side of a room, over the existing furniture. A long narrow format can give a reasonable amount of mileage, and it can be in one piece for simplicity. Some ideas here:
https://ogrforum.com/t...plans-with-easements
It's easier to maintain interest in a layout if it doesn't have to be taken down and put away regularly.
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