Straight track to use for display shelves

For display only, probably the best looking track would be Atlas 2-Rail. Why waste the money for 3-Rail track?

Do you have a router?

Use 1 x 4 wood strips and rout some grooves in it.

A table saw would also work with some parallel cuts to make a wider groove.

John

Check the classifieds and auction sites for 2 R track.  I purchased 2 bundles of used ME track, code 125 for a song.  When I received it I discovered it was code 148 so I used it for display shelves.  It would work great for 3R too. Just an idea.

If you are building your own shelving, consider this nearly free alternative ... while the shelves are unassembled, pass them thru a table saw and cut two appropriately spaced grooves set back from the leading edge -- for the flanged wheels of O-gauge locos and cars. No need to cut a middle, third rail groove.

To highlight the items on display, install "wall washer" recessed ceiling lights that would bathe the trains with light; LEDs preferred for brilliance.

Carry on ....

Mike M.   LCCA 12394

Similar to what the guys above are saying, we just glued some 1/8 thick x 1" wide wood strips to some leftover 1x4s from our benchwork. Instant low cost display shelves.

The router - groove idea was what we originally were going to do, but we lack the tools. So this was next best option.

On the left is my RailRax aluminum shelves. At the back are the wood shelves we built for about one fifth the cost.

My local hobby shop has a box of free used tubular track.  Maybe check if you have any nearby and hopefully you can get lucky.

My layout uses O Gauge (O31), ever since my first layout in 1955. I have picked up a significant amount of O27 track over the years, and I use O27 straight track for display. Works just fine.

My 1x4s have saw cut grooves but I use 027 on wider shelves. You don’t have buy new. You can find lots of old track at train shows for small money. A can of paint and a roll of masking tape will cover all the sins.

Pete

Check Glenn Snyder Display Systems. 

After the first few hundred feet of Gargraves Phantom Rail track on my shelves, I started cutting groves in the 1x4's.  It also gets you at least one more shelf vertically.

@VinceL posted:

I am not going to pay $$$ on Fastrack just for display shelves.

@Mike CT posted:

Check Glenn Snyder Display Systems.

Vince made it clear: "I am not going to pay $$$ on Fastrack just for display shelves."

Glenn Snyder's stuff is quite nice but it's not less expensive than Fastrack.

Mike

@VinceL posted:

Once I receive my extension benchwork from Mianne and get it covered with plywood, I plan to build 2 very large standalone sets of display shelves.  I will have a over 100 feet of shelving.  I use Fastrack on my layout.  I know I don't have 100 extra feet of Fastrack.   I am not going to pay $$$ on Fastrack just for display shelves.  I looked on the bay for used or new tubular track.  These sellers must be trying to sell the gold-plated tubular track.  The prices they are asking are ridiculous.   I think my best bet will be Menards track. I have read good things about it here on the forum, and it is significantly less expensive that what they are asking on the bay.

Say no more.

I've made several shelves to display my trains.

Prior to assembly, I run the shelves on the radial arm saw to notch them out for the wheel flanges. Except one shelf I used some old gargraves track.

@Trussman posted:

I've made several shelves to display my trains.

Prior to assembly, I run the shelves on the radial arm saw to notch them out for the wheel flanges. Except one shelf I used some old gargraves track.

Trussman, in the picture above, those are very long shelves.  I see you have supports at the back of the shelves.  I'm surprised that you don't have some sagging at the front of the shelves.  It looks like you are using 1x4's for the shelves.

I think a train room looks great with cars, engines, etc. displayed on the walls. You might consider Menards track, it’s less money and rolling stock just looks more realistic on track. You might even find used long pieces of 027 height track. Good luck.

@VinceL posted:

Vince, Yes i used 1"x4" 's for the sides and shelves, notched the sides 3/8". Furring strips for the vertical back supports which are notched approx 1/4" where the shelves fit into them. The back is luan cut to fit between the vertical furring strips. . Everything is glued and secured w/ 1 1/2" to 2" sheet rock screws.

I built the long shelves over 20 yrs ago, sold the trains that were on them and filled them back up approx 6 yrs ago.

I used both Aluminum shelves and wood shelves with Gargraves track.  I noticed that the tires on the Locomotives I have on the Aluminum shelves crumble easily, whereas the ones stored on track have no problem no matter how long they've been stored.

Is this just me or has anyone else had this problem?