Simplicity in 6x8

Good looking layout, looks like you nailed it for a lot of fun

 

Brent

Thanks Brent.   It's two loops.  Outside is 48, inside is 36 with a passing loop, and the one spur for a couple accessories.

 

I will be filling the middle and other blank areas of the "canvas" with buildings and other structures.  

 

I might use some very minimal landscaping.

 

Unlike some of my other layouts designed in the "showroom accessory show off" style, this one I purposely made simple to show off my trains.

 

I do own a couple scale Legacy locos, but 99% of my equipment is all Lionel traditional, and MTH Railking and Rugged Rails size.   Old Industrial Rail freight cars are my friends

That is a great idea for a townhouse or a condo apartment.

 

I may do something like yours for my next and final layout.  My Bedroom layout is currently 4 x 10 with a 2 x 3 leg off one end. Too big for my living room though.

I never thought of doing my layout in the living room until now.

 

That will be great when it is done.  Have fun. Looks great!.

Hello Escaperocks.......

 

WOW, REALLY nice !!!!!!!!!!!

 

Tiffany

Great idea, well-executed.  Thanks for the photos and descriptions.

Interesting design for the train table, I like it. Looks like it turned out very well.

Thanks all.

 

I am all about experimenting and thinking of ways to do things with items I already own.  It's a relaxation for me.  I actually get most of my enjoyment in this hobby from the building aspect, including wiring. 

 

One thing I also did with this is on the bottom of four legs, I attached sliders, so it is very easy to push this table around, for example, when I want to vacuum under the center area.

Good luck with this project, sure looks good for starters. 

David; a question

 

How did you attach the legs to the table?

David,

Looks good. Smart idea by using the sliders on the leg bottoms. 

Frank

Looks like it's going to be a lot of fun with a nice neat simple design.

Larry,

  I used 1/2" carriage bolts, then a wood screw or two to "lock" the leg in place/prevent movement when sliding the table around.  If you look closely at this picture you can see the head of the bolt and also where I placed two wood screws.    The other hole is from where I had bolted a 2x4 leg for the old layout.

 

Thanks David.  I just measured my living room,  I could fit a table 5'3" X 9 ft in the place and still be able to walk around it.

 

I think in another year I'll be moving my layout from the spare storage room/bedroom/computer room to the front room.  Your layout and table

really struck a chord with me. It is a great idea you had.

Thanks for posting it.

Larry,

 

 That sounds great.  A lot can be done in 5x9; a classic Lionel layout size (ping pong table dimensions.)

The basics are all done.  Living room is arranged.   Now it's time to have fun!

Wiring, buildings, and lights are next.

 

 

There is a video aimed at the ladies called, "Must Love Dogs" - I'm sure you can figure out the jist...This calls for "Must Love Trains" -one for the guys and maybe even for our wonderful, at least slightly unusual gals!

Just a quick test to check for track continuity and smoothness.

I've only run one feed so far and haven't wired up my TMCC/Legacy or DCS yet.

 

Loco is the 2343 F3 TMCC from 1996.  Power is from a very old ZW.    It' been a year since a train last ran in my place....  nice to have it coming together again.

 

Video is a little dark.  I shot this quickie on my phone

Here's my first section of "weathered" track.   I used Rustoleum Camouflage "earth brown.

 

After spraying, I wiped the tops of the rails with lacquer thinner.

 

  I like the way it gets rid of what I call"in your face gray" and makes it fit in with the overall rustic look of my table.

 

I sprayed the track in place.   I lifted the track and placed plastic painter's tarp under it to cover everything around. 

 

 

David, That's neat!

 

I have to ask, how 'light of a coat' of the Camouflage Earth Brown do you apply? Looking at your picture of the track, I believe I can still make out the brown of the track ties. I like the effect.

 

Henry,

Thank you!

 

  I sprayed as little as I could and still get full coverage.  No more than one or two passes with the can about 8 to 12 inches away, still making sure the sides of the track got covered.

I also purposely went over random areas thicker than others to give a more natural effect of the elements.   That's hard to see in this picture.

 

The ties actually show up better in person.   Last night's photo was taken in poor light with my iPhone 6 and flash on.    I edited the pic as best I could for light and color.

 

Once I'm done with the whole thing I will get out my "real "Camera, tripod, and light and grab some good pictures.

Thank you Spence!

Hello EscapeRocks.........

 

that is much better than a coffee table.............

 

Tiffany

 

Especially since I don't drink coffee  

Sweet idea..very nice execution...I might consider some cup holders attached the facia facing the sectional for holding your beers..or beverages of choice...like at the ballpark

How to you model your mud puddles  Hot coco Tea...

 

 

 This is great stuff 

 

But I'm in the process of sheading low tables due to the dog tails

Guinness??? ButThat would be a shame

       

Here's a couple more pics.  You can better see the sides of the rails, the tops of the rails, and how the ties show up very well.

 

I pulled the train around as a reference for the overall look.

 

I've been busy in the music studio today, so didn't do any more track painting yet.

 

Your weathered track and your layout is looking good!!!

Thank you.

 

The track is now done.  It's time to start assembling the rest!

 

 

A well executed interesting layout.

Here's a few more pictures that actually show the so called variations in the earth brown I made on the molded ballast.  I did this to somewhat simulate a natural look.

 

Also, you can see a switch, and the operating track I modified to work with my postwar milk car platform.

 

The make the lighter spots in the brown, I lightly wiped my lacquer thinner rag on the surface of the now painted plastic ballast.