I am trying to put a model train around the top of my sons room on some type of shelf. I am also going to build a “bridge” in front of an arched window. I was thinking about using a crown molding base for the shelf but I am open to suggestion. Has anyone done anything similar to this? [%-)]What scale should I use? What type of track would work best? I am a total rookie so I am looking forward to your help.
Thanks
I have to say, that a train at that height has little play value. It can and has been done, but wouldn’t it be more fun to have a table type layout if you have the space?
3 rail O would be a good choice either way, and a couple of months ago I worked directly with a member on a very similar project. In that case he already had most of the track up, and we worked on wiring.
How old is your son? Email me if you want, and we can figure out what’s best for you.
I’ve seen several of these layouts mostly in G scale. BB4005 is right when he says there’s little play value, however if you are going ahead with the project I would consider using plexiglass shelfs. At least you will be able to see more of the train.
Up high you’ll need to have a large enough scale for him to see it and enjoy watching it run. I would go with G scale if the room is large enough but you need to also consider how tight the curves will be. Longer locos and cars need larger radius curves.
BE SURE the track is flat and curves are true. You wouldn’t want a derailment up that high which may cause injuy to your son.
Being a “shelf around the top” I wouldn’t think that it will be very wide - a foot or so maybe. If you do a 1/2" plywood base coverd with foam then crown molding would work on the outer edge to help strenghten it and cover (hide) the foam.
How wide is the arched window, i.e. how long will the bridge need to be?
Use wire shelving, put molding on the front and it’ll look nice. the wire shelving will cut down the dust problem, so you won’t have to get up there every other day and dust before you run.
And as stated above use S, O or G scale for it to get the maximum look.
Jay
I have to agree with all replies so far. Now what I am about to add is not a flame. Like Elliot mentioned above, I don’t know how old your son is or your actual intentions here. I would assume (sometimes gets me into trouble) that your son will shortly tire of watching a train run around the top of his room. If your intentions are for decorational purposes, then I think you are heading in the right direction. If your intent is to interest your son in trains then I think there is a better way. Depending on his age of coarse, I would recomend if he is very youg, a Lionel or K-Line train set for him to play with even if it means setting it up on the floor. It would give him the opportunity of learning and advancing his motivation skills and he can let his imagination rule. Also will create many fond memories for him of him and his dad playing with his train together. I can see it now, He tells his little friends, " you should see my neat train", his friend say’s " yeah, what does it do". He answers, " runs around the ceiling", young friend answers, “oh, can we play with it” son answers," no it just runs around the ceiling, lets watch cartoons". Again, this is not a put down, just an outsiders opnion
Thanks everyone for your input. My son is 3 years old. We have a baby on the way, so he is getting a new room. He loves trains. Unfortunately the room is not big enough to have a true train set. I thought that running a train around the wall would make his room extra special. Thanks for your input. I agree that it will have a lot of play value, but it is the best that I can do at this point. I like the idea of using wire shelving. I did not think about the potential for dust so I appreciate the feedback.
One more quick note, noise. The G gauge trains will be a lot quieter, no matter which type of shelf system you use.
If your son is 3 years old, DO NOT GET HIM AN ELECTRIC TRAINSET AND MOUNT IT ON THE WALL. Let me repeat that. IF YOUR SON IS 3 YEARS OLD DO NOT GET HIM AN ELECTRIC TRAINSET AND MOUNT IT ON THE WALL!!!
You are asking for a serious accident. He will eventually form the idea to climb up the wall via one means or another and likely have a serious accident when he pulls the shelving and rollingstock down on himself or his friends.
For now get him a wodden trainset to pull around on the floor or one with wooden tracks he can assemble himself.
Save the electrics for later in his maturation.
Good Luck
Randy
Great idea. I had one of those sets as a little kid. Once in a while,I’ll check to see what came out now that I don’t really use them anymore, and I found this cool site:
They’re latest model is a green goat, they also have freight cars, a 4-4-0, a GP38, and a Genesis.
As a father of two these are my observations. Give the little tyke something he can muckle onto like Thomas the Tank Engine or Brio. Children at this age need interactive activities if they are to remain amused. The around the room concept is a great decoration but will require dusting, cleaning, maintenance and will become a boring mobile after the first week. Children need hands on to remain stimulated.