I remember a few months back instructions about how to build a layout that hangs from the ceiling and I stupidly didn’t buy the mag. Well, now my rec room is finished off and I’d like to build a similar layout. Does anyone remember the month and issue this was in? Or does anyone have a similar type layout. I’d like to have one about 12X12. Thanks. John
John, Take a look at “Sunday Photo Fun” from last sunday, there are a couple of photos of mine on that thread. They were taken in front of the closet door where it is suspended from the ceiling but the rest of it is on wall brackets. [^]
Hey John,
I’m building a shelf railroad for a portion of my basement train room. Essentially it will run in a rectangular arrangment of about 20 ft by 5 ft. I’m going to use the bracketed shelves that are available at the leading hardware chains. For the places that will not readily accommodate the shelf brackets, I’ve purchased some steel “L” brackets - in varying lengths - to complete the arrangment. The shelf railroad will feature Lionel’s new Polar Express - which is going to be the new “attraction” for my five grandkids. I will be placing the new addition in a portion of the room that will not detract from my rather large HO layout - so they can have fun with the Polar Express while I run the “real” trains!
By the way, I had thought of suspending it from the ceiling - but I have a brand new drop ceiling and in no way do I want to cut it or otherwise alter it. So, bracketing came to mind.
The January and February 1977 (yes, 1977) issues of Model Railroader have articles by Robert Lutz about Bookshelf Railroads. I read them, took a bit from here and there, and then came up with my own ideas to add to it. Suggest you visit their site and if needed give them a call or send an e-mail about the availability of these articles.
Hope this helps …
John,
O-Gauge Ralroading, August 2003, Run 195, had an article titled “Phil Klopp’s Aerial Layout.” It describes a layout and the pully system Phil uses on a 12’ x 5’ Prewar layout which he can lower into a space where it butts up to his around the wall highrail layout. Looks a bit complicated, but if Phil did it, it’s done right.
Good luck, keep us informed of your progress.
Tim
Hi John, Something like this?
Just do a floor layout. How can you enjoy trains looking up at the ceiling? Might be bad for your neck.
thanx for the suggestions. Would like to do a reg layout but the wife’s pool table would be in the way so need a way to suspend it. I’ll probably run it around the wall too, the room is 32 x 36. John
My main train layout is a HO one in a room in my attic, but I’m also thinking of running some Lional around the ceiling in our den ( wife idea not mine) using brackets, I’m also thinking of doing a O gauge layout in my back yard, leave the track out year round, just bring in the trains, But you are right not to mess with her pool table, as she may bank you in a side pocket and you may never be seen are heard from again
I researched this after Christmas when trying to decide how to store a new O gauge layout on 4X8 foot plywood. Check the following sources:
www.trainshelving.com
www.julestoytrains.com (this looked good in the local train shop - allows 2 tracks side-by-side)
www.trainshelving.com
www.upandawayrailway.com
Some have ceiling mounts, others wall mounting. However, you are on your own for connecting the wiring - better check the local electrical and fire codes. Maybe check your homeowners insurance policy coverage too! Finally, sell it to the spouse and kids on the merits of good housekeeping.
The General