folding layout design

bioguy2 Jun 9, 2007

  1. bioguy2

    bioguy2 TrainBoard Member

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    Hello all –

    I’m seeking advise and guidance regarding a layout I’d like to construct. The space I’m working with is in a garage and is somewhat limited. My plan is for a layout approximately 36in x 4in x 12ft that will probably be split it into two sections.

    I need to be able to store them when not in use, so I’ve been considering two designs given my space limitations. One would allow them to be hinged so that they will fold up into an attached wall frame. The other would have them suspended from the ceiling when stored and lower by use of pulleys/cables.

    I’m leaning toward the folding wall approach as ceiling clearance could be an issue. No success so far searching the internet to locate articles or diagrams of a folding wall layout.

    I recall seeing an article in a train magazine some time ago but can’t recall which one. All advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

    Richard
     
  2. Dwyane

    Dwyane TrainBoard Member

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  3. Av8rTX

    Av8rTX E-Mail Bounces

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    Maybe you could modify, or borrow from the design of a folding ping pong table with wheels.Use small pieces of sectional track at the joint and removable structures.
     
  4. DiezMon

    DiezMon TrainBoard Supporter

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    I like the idea of the "old" southview lines. :) That's pretty cool!

    If your garage is anything like mine, you have limited wall space, as well as limited ceiling space. Vertical storage always seems to be more abundant. So, one thing I considered, before starting my current plan, was to have a long layout that folded in half, lengthwise...like the ping pong table idea. Then it would store on end. So, in your case you'd end up with a box, roughly the size of a refrigerator...

    I was going to make it so when it folded up this way, and stored vertically, it would have wheels so I could push it into a corner.

    You'd have to build it with removable legs, and would probably need help putting it up/down..

    I did see a small layout like this recently on-line.. can't remember where of course, but he'd cut his fascia like a jig saw puzzle.. so when the layout was folded the fascia from each end met up perfectly and formed a perfect box.. does that make sense ?

    I've had a smirnoff and a glass of wine so I'm rambling now..

    Anyhoo, just a thought :)
     
  5. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    As my livingroom begins to take shape I no longer want to fill it with a permanent layout. I am currently working on desings for 2x4' modules that would be stored on shelves near the cieling. Some of the moduales would be geomorfic so they could fit in a couple of directions. Maybe one or two would fit Ntrak standardsw but I doubt it.
    Rrrr has been wonderful in endorsing the layut in the livingroom / dining room but now that I see it better temp modules may be the way to go.
     
  6. bioguy2

    bioguy2 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for all the great suggestions and ideas. After spending some time this morning searching through past issues of my modeling magazines (great fun if you have the time), I located the article that I remembered which covered construction of a folding layout. It's in the September 2004 issue of Model Railroader, page 56-57, "Build Fold-Away Benchwork" by Stuart Freeman. Don't know if it works exactly for my situation, but it's great food for thought.
     
  7. mdrzycimski

    mdrzycimski TrainBoard Supporter

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    Richard,
    I would be happy to offer my experiences building a folding layout in a garage if you decide to build one.

    My layout was 16 feet long constructed in two 8 foot parts. I got through the trackwork stage before dismantling it and re-building. There were a lot of things I didn't like about it. I can give you more details if you want. Let me know.
     
  8. Allegheny

    Allegheny TrainBoard Member

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    Bioguy2

    I'm experimenting with the Bend Track Module standard. I have two balloon end modules that are 6' long, 3' wide at the fat end and 2' wide at the skinny end. The two modules put together make a two main line complete layout. Using the Bend Track standard of connecting modules (similar to N-Trak), I can take the layout apart for moving or storage. I can also add modules in-between the two ends to enlarge the layout. I don't have any drawing to post, since I'm moving in two weeks and packed my references. But I'll share them once I’m set up in my new apartment. Check out http://home.alltel.net/ah50902/links.htm for the standards.

    Thom
     

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