I started my layout with a subway, with fully-decorated tunnels so that they would look good for the video mounted in the front of the train. I then built a more conventional layout on top, but I needed to maintain access to the tunnels. I’m using 7 liftoffs to do this. There is no track on the liftoffs, so they are all odd shapes to fit into the empty spaces. I’ve finally finished up the scenery on these. First, the left edge of my 5x12 foot layout:
Next, the same scene with the lifoffs removed. Two of the liftoffs aren’t in the picture.
Here are the liftoffs, displayed on the floor. 4 are made of 2-inch foam, carved to fit. One is made of 1/4-inch foam board.
EDIT: This is an old post. I looked it up to answer another question, and found that the pictures were from the old Railimages site, not the current one. So, this just restores the pictures to the thread.
I need to add at least on access hatch for a hard to reach corner and am considering a few elsewhere. Any advice you have for installing these would be appreciated.
I have just completed another area where I have a liftout section containing spur tracks. I use overlapping pavement on the edge of the liftouts to hid the seam. The ties were cut to allow the railjoiners to slide entirely onto the liftout section of track. The liftout is also screwed into place. This liftout is a just-in-case liftout. I don’t anticipate needing to lift it out on a regular basis.
I guess I didn’t do a full pre-photo cleanup. That’s part of the oil company. It’s supposed to be a hose that runs up to the tank car unloading booms, but the tubing was too stiff. I’m going to replace the hose with one of those pony-tail loops I stole from the wimmen of the house.
