Space Between Main and Subway levels!

Chuck:

 

What is your question based on?  The prototype space of a subway beneath the street level?  Practical clearance from the floor to the bottom of the subway?  Clearance for the subway to the bottom of the table top?

 

I am building a layout where the benchwork sits at 36" above the floor and the subway sits below that.  For my spacing, I went with the height of one 2x4" plus a standard clearance of 5.5" below that for the subway.  I am already regretting how little space I've left myself between the floor and the subway but, for reasons that will remain a surprise until I take pictures, I have what I have.

 

Please let us know the answer to the questions above, and I'm sure the amazing power of OGR group-think will give you some excellent answers.

 

SJS

 

As Serenska notes, this may depend quite a bit on your desired presentation.

 

Depending on how much of the subway is to be visible, it may be permissible to alter the main table structure for some small section (like if you want to show a relatively small station).

 

It also will depend on your main table construction method, I am sure.  Depending on how "deep" (edge of table to station wall as an example) your subway tunnel/station needs to be, you may want to even just have the upper table extend over the edge to allow the subway line to be unobstructed by joists.

 

Of course if you do that last method, care needs to be taken probably by using some thicker plywood and securing it extra well to the main structure(like extra screws where it does hit the last support beam).

 

-Dave

Thanks guys. I wish I had thought of the overhang idea. However, visitors will have a good look at about 8-feet of side view as the subways go by. In addition I plan on leaving a section of the table top exposed so viewers can look down into the station area. 

 

Chuck.....the 1st two pictures are about 2+ years old. The 3rd is more recent. I believe it is 16".

 

 

 

Peter

The lo-v is the tallest subway. Add a half inch and your good

The layout I'm slowly working on the base top is 24" off the floor, 2nd level will be at 32" & 3rd level will be at 40" so 8 inches between track levels heights. My layout is up tight to 3 walls so I need to get up on it to work on it so the low height and sloped ceiling is only 72" at the back of the layout. It is 4'8" deep by 8'6" wide with "L" extension of 6' wide by 3'8" deep. It will be all conventional with 3 trains and 1 trolley running on separate tracks. Mostly Fastrack O-36 curves except a pair of MTH Realtrax O-31 curves inside the Fastrack O-36 curves. Located in one end of our living room.

Hi, nice looking layout .Please don't forget that now there is nice looking Subway type Signals now on Intregrated Signals Systems.com.

 

Thansk, John   

I have not done a subway but have done a second level track above another one. What I do is to go with a minimum of 6 to 7 inches above the track height, so for a subway go with 6 inches below any supports. Always make sure that your highest engine or car can get through with at least half an inch to spare. Check your corner clearances as well for the subway system, you might hit a support as I did on a second level because my steam engine's tender stuck out about a quarter inch more then I had thought it would.

 

Lee Fritz

The section of main track above my subway is 42" from the floor. My subway sits about 30+" from the floor. As only about 2 feet of subway is visible the opening is about 8" considering the supporting cross members for the track above and the outer fascia. Sorry but don't have a better photo.

 

jackson

Please. change the Station Sign it should say 14 Str, Unoin Square Station.

 

There no union Station in the Subway of New York City.

 

Thanks, John

  

Has and one done a subway that runs under the table and then rises to run table height?

Updated photo....it is starting to come along.

 

 

 

Peter

Hi, Nice looking Try looking at Integrated Signals System.com

They now have nice looking Subway Signals.

 

Thanks, John 

Chuck, I'm going "elevated," tough enough getting under the layout and mine is 42" high.  Think of how you're going to get under the layout in your "golden" years LOL

John A. DeA,

My subway is not in the City of New York, but rather in my fictitious city with no name. The stop serves the Union Station located above it.

 

jackson

 

 

Ok,Do you have a subway there too ? I stand correct. I thought you was talking about New York City, Sorry than.

 

Because we have a station with that Name here.

 

Thanks, again John  

Thanks for the helpful replies. 

LionelBill: July begins the 'golden' years, but I can't avoid doing a subway. I'll also manage an el. Have to have the 4-train run by the Dept. 56 Stadium Facade!!!!