vsmith, Your compact micro layout looks great so far and has inspired me to consider building a small portable layout of my own!
A few years ago I started collecting old Marx 6" tin train cars and thier associated engines and operating accessories. I have used them as toy trains under the Christmas tree for the past 3 years. Normally I would have thme packed away after the Christmas tree comes down but recently I have been fooling around with them and am considering building a tiny toy train layout. As you can see from the photo, they would look better running on a more permanent layout.
David, I’d say go for it…but I’d keep the base as light weight as possible. On the small clockwork layout I used 1/8 inch fiberboard as the surface and 1x2’s as framing, given the size of your layout is close in size to my new one I would use 1x3’s for rigidity, thats whats on the new layout. All the wiring can be safely stowed under the surface board. The layout can then be moved about or stored away leaned up against something, if eventually you need to get rid of the layout, its easy to dismantle with only a minimum of investment.
I built a mini layout for my daughter and her friends (that is why it is in pink). I have three “levels” of train. Bottom one is 027, middle is 0 and top is 027. I used a type z transformer b/c the dials are easy for the kids to operate and I can do it all from one transformer. The switches are all from radio shack which the little ones like to operate. see gallery pics - the first one is the layout for the little ones. the next three are my layout that i put up for xmas. I haven’t gotten too much into scenery yet so I apologize for the tunnel building.
Looks great. You should or could have built Marxist display layouts for Louis. A revolving beacon would look equally great centered on that top circle.I just built a Marxist coffee table layout for the wind ups after finishing the main layout. I knew I had gone over yesterday, when I boxed up the high rail stuff and put it in the spare bedroom. Over and done. Keep on keeping on. I look forward to a video.
Great …now I have you to use as an excuse for rethinking my own layout in terms of Marxism, I like the tiered effect in a small footprint. That was one reason I posted the video of a standard gauge layout. Thanks for the inspirational demonstration… It’s looking better all .e time Better put some guardrails on that upper level, or maybe a launching ramp…lol. …Kinda like the bridge jumping scene in the blues brothers. Catchers mitt optional.
Youve indirectly given me a wonderfully demented concept. A tiered motorized “lazy susan” Xmas layout…where the trains pass through a winter mountain scene with tunnels. The trains remain…sort of stationary while the scenery moves. passes by. Aha! I can already imagine my wife seeing this work in progress…What is THAT?
If I add a rheostat to the turntable motor…maybe Ill have the first ever, launch-able toy train helicopter layout… a Marxist UFO Er…maybe not.
Gilbert used a similar concept in several of their commercials. I could only find one posted on YouTube. The opening and closing of the commercial show a steamer led train on a rotating layout. I have seen others in this series that are on the American Flyer Boys’ Railroad Club collected TV shows.
Made one final track change, found a Marx switch that didnt cause the E-units to go haywire each time an engine crossed it so, decided to add it it, and give it turnout and go back to the original plan. Afterall I had the OGR door challenge in the back of my mind when I planned this.
My eyes never got bored. Whoopee, It will be great to see what’s next! I have another overpriced Hafner engine on the way and your video made me think of your own windups. It would be cool to see them all on this layout doing crazy eights…
I used contractors spray foam in the past but its very very tricky to work with, I had a box of Sculptamold thats been around for about 2 years. So I used the stuff to fill in the backside of a plastic tunnel portal and fill in the raised sides of the roadways I put down on the layout, its literally like modelling with oatmeal. Temps have been in the 90’s and very dry but the stuff just takes forever to dry out, it took the thin roadside areas over two days to dryout the thicker stuff on the top layer is goin on 4 days and its still moist and pliable, if this stuff doesnt dry out enough by this weekend I’m chucking it and using spray foam again, I’m a patient guy but this is ridiculous. [sigh]
Just don’t lose it and take a high pressure washer and blast the layout. It beats that old technique of that dern wire screen propped up with sticks…ugh. Talk about a mess. A hair dryer is called for ! Do’nt feel bad I am using foam road bed ballast and took great care to round up the stuff neatly…got out a premixed bottle of matte medium and it beaded and rolled right off the stuff. What the…?! I added liquid detergent and Mr Knucklehead spilled half the bottle on the carpet., which then called for the unscheduled appearance of the boss…“What are you doing? I could hear you cussing downstairs.” Heck it, I glued the carpet ! She sighs frowns and does not want to know the details as I managed not to add ballast to the puddle.The mantra was , this is a fun hobby, this is relaxing, this is great, as I diluted and soaked up the scenic slop.Sh–t happens.
