On my last layout, I found myself wanting to hitch up to the layout and relax while operating. I admit, after along day on my feet at the shop, standing could be a drag. But I had no place to lean on or relax. I visted a few other heavy operations minded layouts and had the same problem…only if I could just lean up on something… Well, I had a wild idea.
I grabbed the old padded bed rails off my water bed (I can never throw anything away, its a problem sometimes) cut them up, chopped some 2x4’s, and bam! A place to hitch up and relax. I also mounted one on the front side since vistors who have no idea about trains, would always lean up on the layout anyways. Now they had a “Spot” to rest and watch the action.
Now that I am in my new house, and second layout. I got a bit smarter and spread some around at the areas were poeple will be most of the time. Made some changes to modify them and make them blend in a little better. I have had a few folks over to operate and were abit taken back by the pads. But soon, got spoiled pretty quick. I thought I would bounce it off you guys as I am thinking about sending this into MR as one of the neato tips or ideas.
Well, what do you guys think?[:)]
Oh wow, man, I remember my waterbed. I had those soft pads, too. And a blacklight, and a madras bedspread, and like, you know, stuff. Now my wife insists on one of those “extra firm” mattresses. Like the Klingons sleep on granite slabs on Star Trek.
I like it. People will lean on the edge of your layout, and you might as well give them a place to do it. Does it interfere with photographing the layout from the edge? That’s the only thing that would bother me.
A Kligon, that’s hilarous! Black lights… Oh yes… still got those [;)]
Well, honestly, never even thought about it being a problem for taking pics… I only have them in a few spots around the layout . Mor eor less they are moutned in the two most common spots stodd at during operating. Over in the East Side Ind. Disrt. and ove by the yard. The trick was figureing out the different ways to mount them up to the bench work. I have a couple of differenent methods. Also, I started with the old water bed rails, but I now know how anyone can make them with haveing ot find water bed parts at a old yard sale. Well, almost, still thinking of the tricks so anyone can do it easliy with common tools, hardware store and trip to a fabirc store or dept.
Waterbed pads, black lights? Don’t forget the Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin glow in the black light posters. I think I feel a flashback coming on. Now, if you could only find a use for old bean bag chairs. All kidding aside, I like the idea… Next thing you know, some slob will take your idea and make a jillion bucks selling the idea to Walthers.
I’ll be that you could do similar with that split insulation foam sold for water piping. Just glue some vinyl upholstery material on it with water-based contact cement.
WOW! I admit, I didnt expect such a huge hit with the idea. Thanks to you guys I got on the ball. First thing this morning I sent an email off to the good folks of MR about this idea. Lets see what happens.[:p] I will keep everyone posted.
Thanks everyone for the comments. I refffered to this thread in the email for a place to see the pictures. [:D]
that’s a good idea…My layout is pretty high so I put in some bar stools to sit on…now all i need is somewhere to install coasters to keep everybody from placing their beer cans on the layout…those rings on the wood are hard to get rid of and a full budweiser can can cause a massive derailment…chuck
