FOR SALE: one folding, portable O-36 train layout system including custom track controller pendant, MTH DCS remote control, TIU unit and spare parts (model trains shown on tracks are not included). Local pickup only in San Bernardino CA , payment on pickup. $2800 OBO – Have $4800 invested.
See YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voiUX-hBVbc
Further Description:
Hello Folks, I have a unique item to offer. It is a custom built O-36 FasTrack 3-rail model train layout purpose built as a "garage layout". I built this portable folding layout in 2017 as a way for me and my son to play with our Lionel and MTH trains in the garage as my home is too small for such a layout inside. I needed it to be able to fold up so the garage was still usable so I hinged half of the layout to flip over the other half as seen in the photos. You can store several trains on the stationary side and then fold up the layout to store and protect your rolling stock when not in use.
This layout can also be separated in half (length-ways) and stacked on top of the other half for transportation (not shown). The layout is several hundred pounds in weight so lifting should be done with a hoist if stacked. The hinged "leaf" is lift assisted with two nitrogen gas cylinders so it requires only one person to unfold the track. The entire assembly is on twelve locking type ball- bearing caster wheels which allows you to position the layout anywhere in your shop or garage easily.
The layout features a welded 16-gauge galvanized steel frame with 0.5 inch thick plywood top. The plywood is covered with indoor/outdoor carpet of which the Lionel FasTrack is laid upon. The track consists of two main lines and six spur sidings connected by 16 Lionel manual switches all of which have been converted to be servo controlled by the custom built remote pendant controller (see photos). Every switch has been modified to feature an anti-derail function where the switch will automatically switch to traffic entering the backside of the switch. The switch will also not switch over unless the current traffic has passed over it (even when commanded via the pendant controller) preventing derailments.
The track power is switched to allow all six sidings to be independently powered down as well as the outer track on the top and bottom sides (eight total block sections that are switched). The power on each of the six sidings can be controlled by the track turnout switch which automatically powers up the siding when activated or can be kept powered manually via the controller pendant. There are four 3-color block signals on the track (Z-Stuff DZ-1050) as well as a Lionel 12052 grade crossing with sound which can be turned off or on remotely. In fact all of the track light posts, yard lights, buildings lights, background lights, decoupler and sounds can be controlled remotely.
There are four buildings on the layout including: a Lionel 6-82874 intermodal work house (with sound), a MTH 30-90400 "Hooterville" train station, a MTH 30-90430 switch tower, and a MTH 30-90250 work house. All of the buildings have lights including an MTH 30-90526 billboard placed near the train station.
The entire track is controlled by a custom built electronic system which controls the track power, lighting, turnout switches, decoupler and sounds. The rails are powered by a 80 watt AC power supply that can easily run four engines with smoke (tested). The power supply has automatic short protection. If the track shorts out you only have to reset the track power via the pendant controller, no fuses to replace or breakers to reset. The power can also be adjusted in voltage via the pendant as well as shut down in case of emergency.
This track was primarily used with LionChief remote controlled engines however there is an MTH DCS TIU controller with remote that is included with the layout. The controller will allow you to use MTH engines turn-key. There is a track connection for use with a Legacy system (tested) but there is no Legacy controller is included.
The layout surface (when unfolded) is 154 inches long by 81 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall. The folded layout is 156.5 inches long by 40.5 inches wide by 27 inches tall . When stacked for transportation the layout is 77 inches long x 41 inches wide x 47 inches tall. The layout will easily fit in a small cargo trailer for transportation. The whole layout weighs 520 pounds with the “transportation ready” stackable top half weighing 210 pounds (the bottom half weighs 310 pounds).
There is 145 feet of Lionel FasTrack (200 pieces total) mounted to this layout including 16 - O-36 turnout switches. There are also two points on the layout that would allow for external track to be attached to the outer loop (turnouts #1 and #16) should you wish to add an elevated external loop. The track is setup for O-27 rolling stock and is not suggested for use with "O-Scale" engines and cars as most are too long for the curves.
There are no schematics for the controller or pendant however everything is color coded or numbered and is intuitively run. There are a few spare parts included as well as replacement background scenery posters as spares.
It took over 100 hours to build this layout and now I have to part with it as my garage is filling up with machine tools that I need for my business. I have around $4800 invested in the layout of which $2000 is in FasTrack alone. If you have garage space for a layout I think you would really enjoy this turn-key track.
Please feel free to ask me any questions should you be interested in this layout. Serious buyers may come and see the track before agreeing to purchase it.
This is a cash and carry scenario. I do not offer shipping and buyer must pick up in person.
This listing is sold as-is and there is no warranty on this layout implied or expressed.
My E-Mail is: don@rcdon.com
Thanks for looking,
Don (RCDON)
