I am a first time writer long time railroader, and I would like to make a small layout. I have been into trains for 9 years now, I am looking to build a 3 x 5 layout on plywood to put under my bed. I am very good at creating track layout plans, but What I have no Idea about is how to like nail the rail to the wood. and how do track clips work, I mean the name says what it does but I need just some help with this. I would like to build a 3x5 with grass and trees, maybe building. So what should I use as a base (plywood?) and how to nail down the track,
Thanks
EDIT- ok I was looking around and would buying some track bed help?
Well first off 3’ wide your limiting your use to either O27 or O31 track now you could use the O42 like off a switch to a siding or something but not as your main curves of your loop as they would be about 4 or 5 inches of the board on each side if you centered it. now to nail/screw your track to the board /track bed depends on what you use some use 2" Styrofoam glued to the board and than screw/nail into it to be honest I haven’t gotten that far yet but thats the basics yes you can get rubber road bed and glue it to the board then screw into it or nail into it but remember if you go thru all the way into the board the sound will fallow the nail/screw and basically defeat he purpose of roadbed
ok I just have one more question about nailing track. I tryed with o-27 track with the holes between the rails and I got it to rail level then I couldn’t get it down anymore, am I doing it right? any tips, I was nailing it to wood.
Use screws, not nails, and pre-drill the holes. I use number-4 x 1/2 inch sheet-metal screws into 3/32-inch holes. If you’re using track clips, don’t. They’re for floor layouts and unnecessary for track attached to plywood.
I have used track clips, they clip under 2 of the ties and hold the track together. On a small layout with track clips you can get away without fastening the track down, however I think it would be better to forget about the track clips and screw the track down with tiny screws. 1/2" plywood, would work fine for an under the bed layout.
On small layouts I would definitely stick with 027 track and switches. The 27" diameter curves will give you the most versatility and allow you to do the most within a tight space. Also, pick small engines and short freight cars and most of all…have fun!
You could also use a sheet of Homasote on top of your plywood–it holds tracks screws pretty well and is a major sound deadener (is that even a word?) If you can find Homasote, it’s getting harder to find it, don’t know if Lowes or Home Depot carry it. You can cut it to your 3’X5’ size, drill pilot holes and screw it on top of your plywood, then screw your track into that. Cut it outside, it makes a mess! It’s a great surface for any layout, big or small.
I am using the Lionel graduated trestle set on my layout and the problem I forsee on your 3’ x 5’ layout is not having enough room. The incline requires a minimum of 8’ of track to elevate high enough to crossover the track and then needs 8’ on the decline. The second difficulty with using a graduated trestle when using conventional engines is that you have to constantly manipulate the throttle, increasing power when on the incline and decreasing power on the decline. There are ways to aleviate this problem but it will require a little bit of electrical knowledge. Of course if you are using modern engines with automatic speed control, you won’t have as much of a problem.
Hi! So far, all great advice. “Been there, done that!”
A question: How will you get to and store the layout? Will you just be pushing it on the floor under the bed or will you be using casters? If casters, you will have to allow for the height. You may want to consider a few of those pads that are advertised for moving furniture. Good luck with your project. Keep us updated and keep those questions coming.
Good suggestion ! These are called “Moving Men Furniture Sliders”. I have used them to move a king size bed, mattress, box spring, and all as well as fully loaded triple dressers.
I’m back with another question, first I am planning on a 4x6 (or 5) one now and the question is I am on a budget, and it looks like Styrofoam will set me back a $100, is their a cheaper material? or could I build everything without a base on my plywood.