Hey everyone. I’m finally getting started on my Super O dealer display style layout. It’s going to be an L shaped layout measuring 14x6 feet with one end extending 8 feet. I will be using all postwar trains, transformers, accessories, etc. Here’s some pictures of my benchwork and after I painted the surface white. This is keeping with the style of the dealer displays Lionel built for stores in the postwar years. Green paint and 919 grass will be added later.
Sounds like you’re not just building a layout, you’re building a time machine! [bow]
Please, keep us posted!
Pics didn’t show up. Can you try again? [:D]
You need a site like shutterfly to host your pictures. Then bring there code to here. Please read Bob Kellers post at the top how to post pictures. http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95/t/270990.aspx
We all would love to see your progress
If you click on the icons they show up for me.
Ok I think I figured this out. Heres a few pictures of the benchwork and early progress. As you can see in the backround, the layout isn’t the only thing I’m wiring at the moment. More photos to come…
I got most of the first level’s track down by now. There are two main loops that circle the outside of the table. I’ve noticed that some engines don’t like crossovers and/or switches so I decided to have none of those on these two main lines. A third loop inside of them will have all the switching and operating accessories. I also have two point to point lines for motorized units like the #50 gang car and #60 trolley.
One of the hardest decisions I had to make was choosing which operating accessories to include in the space I had available. I think I’ve managed to include a good representation of the 1950’s offerings without overcrowding. I wanted to set them up as they were displayed in the catalogs and display layouts of the postwar years.
Impressive, VERY impressive!
A question. Is the table-top color (looks like pale grey) the final color, or is the track plan you’ve got on it now just a “dress rehearsal” to see how it all works with the final color to be added before the track plan’s permanent?
Just curious.
Call Webster’s. We have a new definition for the word ACTION! [:D]
Thanks, guys. The color on the table is a Behr off-white called “smooth silk”. That’s going to be the color of the roadbed, roadways, and outline of all the accessories, buildings, etc. I remember reading that Lionel made up silk screen templates with the track plan and accessories for their different display layouts. They would first paint the table white and then use the template to paint the rest of the table green before sprinkling on the grass. The track and accessories were added at the end before the layout was shipped out.
Since I’m only creating one, I tried a method on two previous smaller layouts where I used blue painters tape to cover all of the fastened track and mark out where accessories will be placed. After the green paint and grass were added and dried, I peeled off the tape and you’d have nice crisp lines and a layout that looked very similar to the originals. Here’s a small layout I built previously.
Nice! [Y]
I’m not sure if most people build their permanent control panel later on in the process, but having it built now (as I start wiring the first level) makes the process a lot easier for me. Sticking with the dealer display style, I wanted to recreate one of these simple but nice looking green control panels. Although using modern toggle switches would be cheaper and easier, I really wanted to use these cool 364C switches along with the other postwar controls. Although there are only 2 ZWs on the panel, a few other transformers will be under the table to power unphased lights and accessories.
Here are some pictures of the control panel in-progress…
WOW! That is really impressive!
I had to take down my train garden earlier this year in prep for the new to our new house in a year or so. I have enjoyed monitoring this thread as it has given me a number of ideas for what to do next.
Thank you for sharing! I hope to see this in a coming issue of CTT!
Hi,
We are CTT would like to learn more about your layout so we can consider publishing an article about it in our magazine.
Please contact me at 262-796-8776 ext. 253
Sincerely,
Roger Carp
Senior editor
Hey Roger, how’s Bob Keller doing? Has anyone heard?
PM me if you have to keep it private. Some of us are still worried about Bob and hoping he’s OK.
Your workmanship is top notch !
Great job !
Great job so far! I still have a small Super O (4’x6’!) layout that I use from time to time. I always liked Super O track, even when the “urban myths” scared many away. Too bad Lionel didn’t expand their offerings with it.
Rob
Thanks, everyone! Roger, it was good talking with you… thank you again for your interest in the layout. We’ll be in touch.
Rob, I completely agree. It would have been nice to have different radius curves. They were also a few years too late on releasing it. Luckly for me those “urban myths” exist so there’s more track out there to buy up [Y]
As far as progress goes, I’ve been getting more wiring done and built this platform for my accessory transformers. Next to the ZW, the TW is my favorite and I didn’t want to hide it under the table somewhere. The TW and 1033’s are great because I have 25, 18, 16, 14, 11, and 5 volt fixed options between them.
Those 1033’s are nice.
It’s funny, when I go from the 1033 to the LW, I always wind up turning the throttle handle the wrong way.
Things can get real exciting in a hurry…
Paul, I’ve grown so accustomed to the 1033 and up until now never used the TW so I’m in the same boat. I have the TW powering my trolley line and thanks to a 364C switch to turn it on/off I just set it and forget it.