I have been thinking of building a small layout to take to a local train show or two. The layout will be a simple oval of classic tubular track with a possible switch with a stub track to fit one car. Anyone else build a small layout to display at a show? Any tips for showing a layout? If so lets see some of your layouts.
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Here's a couple thought starters:
1.) Windup Train Layout (but you could use 3R electric; thanks to @David from Dearborn)
See: My NEW & IMPROVED Windup Train Layout (4/08/20) | David from Dearborn
2.) Rosie O'Donnell Show Lionel 100th Anniversary Celebration Layout
Wishing you good luck with your effort!
Mike
Our club, the Manchester Model Railroad Association is starting re-construction this weekend on our portable 4 x 8 layout. We take the layout to local events to advertise for our club and teach people some history of the Lehigh Valley railroad. Our club layout is a representation of the LV Manchester yard that we built in a boxcar. For the 4 x 8, we are looking at using one of Lionel's display layout plans (D264, D164, D227, D131, or D224) modified to use 027 track so as to fit on the board. Eventually, we'll build a second portable layout using the D27 plan, the disappearing train layout, with an elevated loop for running a second train. The D27 layout can fit on something about 40 inches by 6 feet. A quick search will show you pics and plans for any of these layouts. One helpful hint, kids love pushing buttons! So a train horn shed, crossing gate, signalman shed, any Lionel accessory that a kid can push a button to operate will enhance the appeal. They also like tunnels, bridges, crossovers, and switches. Lionel included these aspects in their display layouts, so why argue with what worked for them? Best of luck to you!
~Larry
1. Have a siding on each long side of the table and the running loop inside of the sidings. Along the sidings have operating accessories and push buttons to activate them on the edge of the table.
2. Allow the kids to run the train with a remote or old school transformer.
3. Do not put plexiglass or any other type of fence to block people from the layout.
If you do these three things you will very busy during the show!
@bigtruckpete posted:
- The most popular small layouts at shows are also the most hands on and engaging.
1. Have a siding on each long side of the table and the running loop inside of the sidings. Along the sidings have operating accessories and push buttons to activate them on the edge of the table.
2. Allow the kids to run the train with a remote or old school transformer.
3. Do not put plexiglass or any other type of fence to block people from the layout.
If you do these three things you will very busy during the show!
Some great tips there I will keep them in mind
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