Anyone have any ideas on how I could build an elevated level for more track on my layout? The only idea I have is taking a section of track and drawing an outline of it on plywood and taking a jigsaw and cutting that out and that would be the roadbed for the track, and I would also use pieces of two by fours to elevate it. Could this work alright?
Some people use threaded rods to elevate the roadbed. It has a much smaller footprint on the first level.
I presume you’re working upward from a solid tabletop - NOT the ideal situation.
The jigsawed plywood roadbed is referred to as, “Cookie cutting,” by our smaller-scale brethren, and is a very common approach to building track on grades or elevated above the base level. There, the usual proceedure is to cut and elevate the surface of the main table. However, there is no rule that says the cut cookie can’t simply be raised above the existing solid table top.
The supporting risers under the cookie can be made of almost anything, but using 2 x 4 material (unless it’s cut and bent steel stud) is something of an overkill. If all of the cut cookie will be the same height above the base table, the riser material can be cut with a chop saw to assure uniform length. If grades are incorporated, the height of each riser under the grade will have to be calculated independently.
Hope this has been useful.
Chuck
I used a combination of rectangular pieces of 1/2 inch plywood in some places and wooden dowels in others. Has been holding steady for years. Actually have 3 levels on top of the base platform.
I agree the 2x4’s are a bit much . As RRcharlie said plywood risers with drywall screws mounting them along with a line of hard as nails glue if you wanted to make sure they never wiggle loose . But if you’re ever going to move them or have to remove them for some reason … don’t use the glue . Firring strips … very inexpensive also work well … then all you need to cut is the length .
Berk this really depends on what track system you are using. If you are using FasTrack, Lionel O27, or any of the MTH track systems you could use the elevated trestles that are on the market. If you really want a plywood base, then you could use 1x2s they tend to be cheaper than any other wood sold at Lowes or Home Despot. Firring strips are OK, but they split very easily. Dowels look nicer (if you paint them cement they look like cement piers), but they can be pricey. If you are going to scenic the second level to look like a mountain, then I would go with the ply base and 1x2 for the risers. Secure the ply base to the 1x2 with a single 1 5/8 drywall screw and then secure the 1x2 to your layout with another 1 5/8 drywall screw… whip-bam-boom and you’re done.
Inexpensive alternative to purchasing the ‘real’ stuff. Just an idea.
Layout Base is @ 7’ x 8’ Elevated is @ 6’ x 5’ Elevated height is @ 7" It was made from scrap wood: 3" wide x 3/4" high. Supports are 1" square. The platform is leftover Homasote. Grass covering is second-hand indoor/outdoor carpet. (O27 track. ) Good luck.
Thanks!! I will try my best to shoot for realistic scenery so I will go with the last thing you said. I know I would be up a creek without you guys on the forum.
I am using a system called “L-Girder”. I have 1x2s glued/screwed to the ends of 1x4s with 2x4 legs. To this, I attach 1x4s to whatever height I need. Then, you can use strips of plywood screwed to the tops and go from there. I have 3 levels. For about $20, you could order the book from Kalmbach on “benchwork”. It has good ideas and photos of how to make it. You certainly want a strong base to build up from.
Dennis
**Berk…**these guys can help you add the creek to your layout too, with or without the paddle! [:D]
Jack
Yep and we’ll even argue over what color to paint the creek! [:O] Oh, that forum member no longer participates… so we should be OK now! [;)]
LOL!! that’s funny!! I would like to put a creek on my layout too!!