Howdy,
My son (who is almost 9) and I are building our 1st train table together. He wants to do a multi level layout. His set is a Lionel Set he got for Xmas and it has the FasTrack. The layout can be a horseshore or figure 8, etc.
I would like to build something we can move if it will work well, and the reason is space, which is what many people seem to struggle with. I have an enclosed deck thats screened in and it would be cool if we could put it out there for spring, summer, early fall, then move it inside for the winter. I wouldn't leave the train out there, but the room is generally dry. If moving it's not a good idea or going to be a big hassle then I can build it in my home office but space is tight. I could do like a 3'x5' but is that going to give us enough room to do something fun?
if I have to go longer that would be better as I can save floor space. I like the ideas I've seen on here about using a corners shelf unit, but I only have seen one, and it didn't show the track or how to decorate the layout. I also have a "ledge" in our family room and also in our office room which is about 9" deep and it's 44" high, I could probably get the wife to let me use 6 or 7' of the ledge in the family room.
Is using that a good way to get it to be multilevel and also save space by making it longer but not as wide?
i read about the SCARM software and plan to install that tomorrow. If anyone can help us design either something moveable without it being a nightmare that would probably be my first choice. But would the moisture that would obviously be on the enclosed deck when it rains out cause issues with the set? It's got a full roof and half walls, water doesn't come in, but just the dampness. The train would come in daily. Otherwise I think using the ledge is maybe a good idea.
what does everyone think?
If you want to use your porch, you might consider puting a layout near the ceiling. Here is a comment made in a post on this sight back in April 2012
I would use atlas track instead, It is uv rated and nickle silver rails do not rust.
Fastrack can rust and the plastic parts may fade and / or warp.
Realtrax might also fade or warp.
You can make it a double track for future expansion of the roster. You could then build a switching layout that could be built in two or three sections that you can take in if necessary. This way your son gets to watch trains run continuously as well as learn operation with the switching yard.
The concept of around the ceiling eliminates the need for gates or liftout sections around doors and windows and you can design the switching yard to fit into a future larger trackplan. I think this concept would allow the layout to be indoors such as his bedroom and could be used year round. You can design low relief buildings for the ceiling layout, full size for the switching layout, learn ballasting, wiring and all other facets of model railroading. My dad started me with trains when I was 4 years old. Your son will love it and working together is great for father and son. Good luck.
