2 level on layout how is the best way to make it?

Piston,

We might need a bit more information. Is this an around the wall layout and you want to add a second level?

Or a table top layout (sheets of plywood), currently flat now but want to add graduated/elevated trestle type track?

Or you want to add a second table top above the first?

Open frame construction?

L girder?

 

Without much information, my best guess is the easiest for you might be to use graduated and elevated trestle sets to get a second layer (click on bold).

What type tack or you using?

Layout size?

Do you have an idea on what you'd like to do? 

It depends how the first level is constructed.

 

How is your first level constructed ?

 

L-girder, trestles, pylons, full 2nd deck...

 

 

 

the table is plywood 9 x 44 feet . island type, walk around.

Can you give us an idea of what you'd like to have?

Ok, L-girder is out.

 

You can use vertical supports screwed from the bottom. (e.g. 1" x 4") On top of the vertical supports you could

1. attach a deck that is track width or
2. you could build another complete deck wedding cake style inside of the existing outer loop.
3. or both

The top layer can be on a mountain hiding the supports, the supports can be built as exposed pylons or horizontal supports or bridges. You can combine any of those with pre-made trestles.

 

What support method you use will depend on how you want it to look when completed.

Will you want be able to have a train go up & down or will the elevated area be separate?

 

You could put a town scene on a plateau with a trolley running around on a full deck, say 4' x 6' somewhere. Make a road to look like it heads to the town on the hill.

 

If you want a train elevated, you'll need mountain\hills to climb. Then you can have bridges, tunnels and such. That would require 300"(25') of track to climb 6 1/4" for a 2.1% grade up and 300" down to 0. That includes curves and straight. Then you need to consider what is underneath and how to deal with that.

 

Your going to build another layout over the existing one. The design elements will determine the structure.

 

Sit down with paper and your track plan and just scribble what you're thinking. Try a many scribbles until an area or plan looks good to you. Think about what it will be.

 

The you'll be ready to consider structural approaches.

 

here's two books that I found

Designing & Building Multi-Deck Designs

 

One of the early founders of all layout designs John Armstrong

 

Read this forum member's adventure and see photo's of a multi-level railroad

 

 

Moonman,

 

your "O gauge multi level"  link isn't working

 

others seem to be fine

Bluegill1,

Try it now-the title is Designing & Building Multi-Deck Designs.

Too much to type.  A lot of subject matter.  Buy a book as suggested above.  However, if the layout is against a wall, attempt to install upper deck with brackets that don't interfere with anything below.  Also make these brackets strong enough to support lighting you will need underneath to eliminate shadows and see.

Piston:

1 day ago

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working now.

 

bluegill,
thankyou
piston-mike keegan


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moonman,
Thanks for input great help.
piston-mike keegan














----- Original Message -----

PISTON,

post some pics when you get something going.

 

Good luck and have Fun!

I will moonman going to york in few weeks I will be looking for some confidence and maybe a system to use. Thanks for your support.