I just finished building my own ceiling layout. I have posted a video of it below. Please watch it and let me know what you think of the layout. Also, I am curious what experience and advice others have on the subject of ceiling layouts like this. Thanks.
Looks very impressive in operation. It’s clear you went to a great deal of effort with the design and construction. As I am sure you will agree, the lack of attention to detail in those areas would result in major damage to locomotives and rolling stock after contact with a highly resistant horizontal surface. I did not notice many trackside “barriers” to prevent spontaneous “flight”. One would have to be a “true believer” in their construction skills. I like it. Well done.
Wilton.
If I attach track to the ceiling how do I keep the trains on the tracks. LOL
Certainly one in the eye for those who say we have no room for a layout !!! Not my “cuppa tea” but if you’re getting enjoyment out of your efforts then who am I to say anything negative.
Keep Having Fun [:D]
Cheers, the Bear.
Certainly well thought out and constructed.
as JaBear said
Not for me thanks I prefer my trains where I can see and reach them easy.
It is rather unusual to have “N” up like that.
it is more usually large scale that is done like that, and even in that large size I like trains were I can see and reach them.
regards John
I chose n scale so I could run long trains, and so I could get more of a sense of distance. In n scale, the mainline is a 2 mile loop. And you get a great view of the trains from anywhere in the apartment, which I like. And I am a tall guy. I can reach the trains quickly if I need to while standing on the ground. And when I need to clean the track, or do any small operations, I just get on a step stool.
I have posted my images before; maybe back in 2011. I have a larger eaves mounted narrow gauge 2 foot deep shelf layout that is always a work in progress. Such a layout is always out of the way and yet easily accessable via a large, rather lightweight movable standing table. I have loved this arrangement since first erecting it in standard HO gauge back in the 80’s. It is on its third redo.
Electrical work undertable can be done in a comfortable standing position as the layout bottom is about 6 foot 6 inches off the floor.
Images to follow.
Richard
General views above and below layout from late 2011…
Bench for standing on to run and work on layout surface.
Early 2012 work in the new road.
I love the shelf/ceiling/eaves layout… 2 feet of depth and a long run capability.
Richard
One nice thing about a ceiling layout. There is a good chance you are using otherwise wasted space in your apartment. Prople think in square footage when it comes to real estate. You think in cubic footage. I’d call it thinking inside the box. Very nice layout.
How do you even see it??? [:|] N is hard for me at eye level [:P]
I had one set up in my back room, G scale around the walls above the doors and windows, and the surprise was how L O U D it was in operation, wow was it loud, I switched to all plastic wheels of the cars and that helped a great deal also running the trains at slow speeds kept it to a muffled white noise. It eventually came down when some other furniture went in, still consider putting it back every now and then.
For the engineer, operating from a panel with that TV camera broadcasting to a monitor, it’s very similar to operating a full scale simulator.
For the typical railfan, there’s a problem. (Up periscope! Jawohl, Herr Kapitan!)
I will admit that my initial thought was to use steel rails and supermagnetic wheels. (My other hobby is writing science fiction)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Ceiling layouts are typically thought of as zero floor space loop layouts within a foot or so of a flat ceiling and rarely are more than 1 foot wide. They are most often executed without scenery or structures as they would not normally be visible at near full ceiling height. In short, they are a way to run trains continuously in long runs with near zero possibility of natural eye level viewing or proto-type operational, switching and train assembly.
Shelf layouts are typically wide enough, (2-3 feet deep), for decent prototypical activity and leave a room free of central obstructions, but have issues with door ways, windows, etc. Multi-layer shelf layouts are a real good idea and have been around a while and seem to be growing in popularity.
Shelf layouts that are just at door and window top level are almost never encountered, at least I have never seen one quite like mine. A small bench can be moved about to allow eye level operational activities and yet still have room for a decent backdrop, structures and scenery. I feel that a name might be coined here such as “elevated shelf layout” referring to a layout that has a long, unfettered run around a wall, but not jammed into a room’s ceiling, but is also a zero floor space layout while allowing for viewable, prototypical, eye level operations.
I have personally seen and advised on about 2 ceiling layouts like the one in ‘Nscaletrainiac’s’ original post. All were large gauge; mostly Lionel O gauge which were easily visible from below. N scale, way up in the ceiling, is a totally new ball game and might be rather unique, much as my elevated shelf layout is.
Lotsa’ ways to get around using valuable living space and still run trains.
Richard
Nice video. Good work on the layout. I have one question; where is the helix down to next level going?
Chuck - that would be "Jawohl, Herr Kaleun (Kaleun being the abbreviation for Kapitän - Leutnant) [swg]
My N scale leayout is set at 5´6", as I am a fairly tall guy with my 6´5". It´s a mini-modular shelf layout, so I don´t have an issue working on the tiny modules - I simply take them down on put them on my workbench. A height of 5´6" puts the layout close to my eye level, making N scale look a lot bigger than it actually is. However, a friend of mine, who is much shorter than I am, is unable to operate my layout without the help of a step-ladder.
I cannot picture having a ceiling layout in that scale.
Woodman:
If I attach track to the ceiling how do I keep the trains on the tracks. LOL
I think that’s what Lionel’s Magne-traction was for! [(-D]
Absolutely gorgeous!
You are to be commended on a fantastic layout.
Just remember that hot, moist, air rises and make sure you keep the fans running.
Kevin
I have been toying with the idea of doing an above-the-door level basic oval layout, but was hesitant to do HO scale, let alone N. I had pretty much decided on O, but I may have to rethink. I still doubt I would do an N scale but now I am reconsidering HO scale. Hmmmm.
Looks great! You did a wonderful job on the construction.
Just a thought - you might want to add some clear plastic derailment fences. A locomotive can’t look pretty after a 7 foot drop.
S&S
Love it. I’m inspired!
I like it. N scale should be viewed at eye level, so with a small step stool you have that. And with the camera you can have an engineer’s view of the railroad while sitting in your easy chair.
Enjoy
Paul