Hello All,
I’ve been searching the web for info/plans for a folding train table, and I haven’t found much. I just keeping running into advertising websites. I’m thinking of a (inverted) T-frame mobile type of table, like the old double-sided chalkboards. Does anyone have any suggestions or possible resources? The picture is close to what I have in mind, but not exact.
Thank You in advance!
-D
You’ll probably find few here would consider a folding train table, though they do exist. Why? You just can’t have a lot of scenery that is realistic and have a folding table unless in the middle of a three part folding table you have a 2 foot center table width such that the table’s outside two sections can fold up vertically with room in the middle to accomodate up to 1 foot tall scenery on each section with a sparsely seniced middle section. You get the idea, I am sure. With this setup it would most likely demand a custom build.
For a small unseniced road, look at some of the many fold up tables at Wall Mart and other stores. I recently purchased a 6 foot by 3 foot well built and durable plastic table there for under $30.00 for use as a portable shooting table and noted as I took it to the register that the folded 3X3 size might do for a cool little N gauge layout.
If I wanted a foldup layout, I would hand manufacture it to my specs and base its dimenisons on the final or normal folded up space or area where it would be stored when not in use or being transported.
In model railroading we typically expect to be a bit pro-active and inventive at some hands-on level. Again, poke around with an eye on; “can I make this work?”… or… "this is real close to what I want…Can I modifiy it slightly to make it work for me?
Good luck
Search for folding table legs or hardware. You’ll find you can get several variations on the legs used for standard folding tables. They will need solid mounting points on the underside of your modules.
The only problem is these tend to be lower than ideal for our purposes. The Free-mo modules folks and other have come up with short extenders to raise it up higher.
How big does it need to be, and what shape? A folding ping-pong table might be an option. That’s something you might look for on Craig’s List.
For odd sizes, though, I’d look for just the leg brackets and build the tables myself.
OK, now you’ve got a pic up and I can see what you’re talking about.
Looks homemade, mostly plywood for the end pivots. I assume that’s a spreader down at the bottom in the dark holding the end pivots together. If it was me, I’d add another one on the other side there, but it may have been omitted for ease of access. I think these are often done to help those in wheelchairs get access to both sides of the layout?
There might be a metal rod through the pivot point itself, as that would provide a tie for the top end of the end pivot assemblies. Shouldn’t be too hard to make with regular shop tools.
I agree that it shouldn’t be too hard, I just didn’t want to re-invent the wheel. LOL. I’m thinking of a 4x8 layout, so that in the folded up ‘state’, it would take up the least amount of space (approx 4 1/2’ wide). I would build it with casters (of course), for portability (around the garage).
Thank you all for your help and support! It’s greatly appreciated!
If it’s going to be on casters, then you definitely want a second spreader on both side down at the bottom.
I’ll go along with Narrow Guage Nuclear that a table that the sides folded up facing each other would be the safest for the scenery and track on your layout. Mr B’s idea of a ping pong table was the first to come to mind, but when you think of moving it around or walking past it in the folded position, I think there are better options. That is unless you have a place to store it safely, a custom built closet maybe.
Have fun,
Richard
Richard,
There appears to be some sort of arm or cylinder under the table. I suspect it’s what locks it in position, but it may also dampen its movement between positions.
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Svein,
That is EXACTLY what I’m looking for!!! Thank You!!
Thank You to everyone who responded, I really appreciate all the help and advice. A lot of great tips and things to consider.
Right now the layout is wall-mounted in the garage and access is limited. This will give me some options.
-D
Svein,
There’s more than one way to skin a cat…mine just fled the room after reading that over my shoulder[;)] --I really like that design[Y]
One thing to remember with any kind of folding or tilting layout is to remove everything not permanently attached to the layout prior to folding or tilting. Otherwise, you might find yourself staring at the loco you just spent two months superdetailing, painting and weathering lying in pieces on the floor!
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Check out the Rice Harbor Part 4 video, the car ferry parts fold up under the layout.