Railings to prevent trains from falling if they derail

Nothing realistic however you can scuplt foam at those edges and make some tall mounds/ rock formations that can hold the train on the table yet be flexible enough to take a hit and cause no to minimal damage [plastic corner stirrups likely casualties] to the train and/or cars.

Roddyrex:

At the design and construction phase of my L-shaped Lionel tubular rail layout, I installed 3-inch fascia boards around its perimeter. I raised the fascia boards 3/4-inch higher than the platform as a guard against derail accidents that might send a train to the concrete floor. Although I've had some derailments, the guard has never been 'tested" by an accident for its intended purpose. However, my minimum curves are O42, and I don't run trains at top speed for the sake of realistic operating and my concern for safety.

I considered expanding my layout by designing and installing a shelf route near the ceiling of the Train Room. I searched online for a protective railing for that "nosebleed section" of the layout. I've attached a drawing of the proposed ceiling route. I found a metal railing at TRAINWORX in Dallas that I considered an appropriate style for use with Lionel trains.

But I abandoned the project because of logistic issues in the Train Room; i.e., it would be difficult to install it above the layout already place below and avoid damage to it (falling dust, drill shavings, debris, or a dropped roadbed section). Further, the Train Room is a "tight fit" in the Train Room, so there's not enough  aisle space for stepladders or scaffolding for workers during installation. Moral of that story: build a ceiling route FIRST.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

Roddyrex,

For my ceiling layout, I purchased clear Lexan sheets last year for use on the edges to prevent flying trains and also so that I view the trains from below without a visible barrier in the way.  Used it on the table edges of my Christmas layout just recently.  The discussion on that can be found my ceiling layout thread starting with this post:  https://ogrforum.com/...2#155716354302620502

@Amfleet25124 posted:

Roddyrex,

For my ceiling layout, I purchased clear Lexan sheets last year for use on the edges to prevent flying trains and also so that I view the trains from below without a visible barrier in the way.  Used it on the table edges of my Christmas layout just recently.  The discussion on that can be found my ceiling layout thread starting with this post:  https://ogrforum.com/...2#155716354302620502

Good suggestion.

For the ceiling layout at my office I found some eye screws (can't remember exactly what they're called) and ran wire through them to create a simple barrier in case of derailment.  Ends were secured with screws & washers.  Perhaps not the most cosmetic option, but simple, easy, cheap, and effective. 

@Fridge56Vet posted:

For the ceiling layout at my office I found some eye screws (can't remember exactly what they're called) and ran wire through them to create a simple barrier in case of derailment.  Ends were secured with screws & washers.  Perhaps not the most cosmetic option, but simple, easy, cheap, and effective.

I used the same technique for a commercial installation of a G layout...15' above the floor!!

They're called suspended ceiling lag screws...typically fastened to joists for attaching the wires that support the gridwork for ceiling panels. 

The only downside in this application is that they can mar the sides of a derailing train.  OTOH, if it keeps the train from coming down on someone's head...and the resulting deep-pockets litigation...it's doing its job.  Hey, I never saw a car/truck-friendly guardrail design/material along an interstate that didn't leave a scratch after doing its job!!

Anyhow, the client's insurance agent was happy with the concept...in writing, I might add.

FWIW...

These are good suggestions, and something I want to implement on the more precarious stretches of right-of-way. 

After my cats knocked a loco and several cars off my open-grid layout that is under construction, I've considered using some sort of netting under the layout to gently catch any falling trains.  This would obviously be temporary until all the scenery is done and access panels are in place.  I wonder if anyone has done something like that and could suggest any products for that purpose.

What about metal tile edging trim.  Pretty cheap.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Fl...ng-Trim/N-5yc1vZcdv7

John