coffe table train

[g-pa1]

Pete, Thought of you when I saw this. Maybe it will give you some ideas! http://cgi.ebay.com/N-SCALE-GAUGE-TRAIN-LAYOUT-COFFEE-TABLE-VERY-NICE_W0QQitemZ6052243711QQcategoryZ... Gene

[crazyd37]

Punk, Now that you mention it I do seem to remember him. Dot

[ginzokid]

Forget the coffee table layout. I have decided to do a movable 3'x6' N scale layout. I'll put it on wheels and store it under one section of the big layout. That way I can pull it out to work on it and run it once completed. I was thinking about making a portable layout that I could pick up and place on top of a coffee table as a base, but what a hassle! Then what do you do for the controls? Nope. That's my new plan. B-)

[beastranger]

Pete Could you then run a cord to the big layout and use your controls to power the N layout? Punk

[g-pa1]

Pete That 3'x6' size is the size of the addition to my original 4'x8'(two 4'x4' modules) layout. It is a nice size layout upon which quite a bit of track and scenery can be placed. think of it more like a dining table size layout. N Scale still in the picture for this? Gene

[ginzokid]

Oh yeah, this is N scale. As far as using the DCC from the big layout, no. The N scale Shays are too small for me to put a decoder in. I know there was an article in a mag. but I'll not attempt it. The N scale will be DC only. B-)

[dl85vette]

Pete, make several 2X4 dominoes and then you could have a wrap-around-the-room like dave layout and run all sorts of trains. I'm not serious, just messing with getting you addicted back to a big N layout. ]:) dave you what they say say about guys with big N layouts 😉

[ginzokid]

If any of you still belong to the N scale group, I posted an album of my old Christmas tree layout in AZ. I'm out of space here, so can't do it. B-)

[nascarpetlover]

Yes I still belong to the other group. Are we going to look here for your On3 and there for your N gauge. Lou

[ginzokid]

Lou, On30 please and actually that was an HO scale layout. I have no plans to isolate one scale to one group or the other. It all depends on where I have album space. I suppose I could delete some pictures here and post new stuff. B-)

[70novahound]

It's almost Christmas, post one of you in the red dress! CJ]:)

[ginzokid]

Well, I have designed a 3'x5' layout. I know I said 3'x6', but it worked in a smaller area. I'm sleeping on it for a while and then I'll go back and look at it again. I'm sure I'll find some changes I'll want to make. I want to run two trains at one time, but right now it will require a lot of toggle switching through the one common section. Now I remember why I like DCC so much better than all the DPDT toggles required for a dual transformer system in DC. As I said, I'll have to look at it again before I settle on the final configuration. TheDesignFadda

[ginzokid]

Call me fickle or undecisive or just plain stupid. I redesigned the "coffee table" layout. Let's call it what it is going to be folks.....a portable layout. Too big for a coffee table. It is now 3' x 6' again and full of turnouts and capable of two train running without a lot of toggle throws. I reworked the whole thing today. We are expecting about 10" tonight of wet snow and blowing, which means drifts and winter is back. Therefore, I can't get the plan printed tomorrow. I'm in no hurry actually. I drew it full size, so the blueprinter will have a fit printing it. That's what I wanted the Arbour templates for. If I can get them to put it on a disc, I'll be able to show you guys, otherwise......I don't know how it will photograph. Tomorrow is a day off for me. Maybe I'll see you all here..... TheDesignFadda

[g-pa1]

Sounds like Tony's Trains is going to get a decoder- placed-into-the-shay call!!! DCC is looking more and more plausible. A nice NCE powerCab would fit the bill! And you better reserve a Precision Craft Steamer too!! Gene

[dl85vette]

C'mon, go with DCC on the layout. After having DCC I think you'll be happier playing with the coffee table layout instead of spending the whole time flicking switches hoping the trains don't collide. Get the MRC brilliance steam decoder and put it in a boxcar behind the shay. :) If only the wires wouldn't be obvious, you could run the power wires fom the boxcar to the loco,therefore not having to try to fit in the decoder, just gotta isolate the motor. who's layout is this anyways? ;) dave

[ginzokid]

It's my layout and it will be DC only thankyou. I have the engines and cars and all the structures kits on hand. I also have the sound boxes. B-)