Simplified Layout Construction

That is one neat idea. The only issue I could think of is how to level the layout if the floor is not level. Otherwise I think it could work very well for most applications.

That's really neat, and it looks like it puts the layout at a good height as well. The only concern I would have is the cost of all those units

Neat idea....I'd feel the need to have some kind of bracing on the 3/4" top....

I used the shelving for my clockwork layout. Compare the cost of lumber and attachments for a shelving \ layout top combination and it's pretty close.

Disassembling has been a snap versus lumber. Also, less mess.

I got my shelves on sale which happens from time to time. Made a difference.

I plan to use wood t-rail to avoid flex out in the garage.. Marine carpet for the top and thats probably overkill.

Electroliner what a fabulous idea. I love it, extremely strong yet very simple

Thanks for posting

Alex

I've used the EXPEDIT units from Ikea to support my layout. I currently use 6 of them, but when I build my new layout I will probably need another 4 units.

Besides being easy to build, and strong, they give you some very useful under-layout storage space. 

Great idea!  Thanks for posting.  What is the finished height of the table when assembled?  And where did you purchase the shelving units?

Steve

Thanks for posting this.

I got mine at Lowes who here in NC (at my store) puts them on clearance seasonally. For height you add or subtract shelf units They differ from the Ikea units in this way.

I currently use this exact same system in my apartment garage.It is the best yet.

That's a creative and inexpensive solution. The plastic shelving costs about $30 for the 18"x36" units (about $35-$40 for the 24" wide) at Home Depot. The hardware and materials to build full-blown legs and structure doesn't cost much less, plus weigh more and are more complicated to assemble. The only trick would be leveling them to compensate for uneven flooring.

I saw a similar plan for building a DIY desk using cheap cabinets from Walmart and a hollow core door.

Neat idea, but can't do it on mine.  I need open room to store my 1.5" scale equipment I inherited when my grandfather passed.  Someday I'll have the time and money to get it running again.

As I think about it, leveling the plastic shelves shouldn't be too difficult. I have a number of them from different manufacturers, and they all tend to flex. The base will more-or-less conform to the surface it rests on. I'd suggest using wooden shims to raise any low spots. Lay the tabletop on the unit(s) and tap in shims either at the bottom of the unit or at the top, between the unit and the tabletop, where needed. With the top screwed down to the units, the tabletop and any shims stay aligned and in place. Interesting idea!

I like this too.

It's a  major improvement over the stuff I'm using now which is whatever I had in the basement, shimmed or stacked to get it roughly level.

It also appears a lower cost than the legs and hardware I'm using on parts of the layout.

Seems like a good idea, easy, a lot of storage,  quick.  Not bad

As far as leveling the shelving units, since they are plastic, what I have done is get a level, set the right height of the legs ( there is play) and put a set bolt through the shelf unit through the leg. No real damage done as they ( the bolts ) can be removed.