Show me your Hollow Core Door Layout

in2tech Jul 22, 2006

  1. Ed M

    Ed M Passed away May 2012 In Memoriam

    1,836
    273
    30
    Steve,

    I remember when you first came up with that variation. Must have been two years ago or so when we were discussing that.

    The two level design came about largely because Fran wanted the layout to have a bridge! Got the grades a bit too steep and the curves a bit to sharp in order to accomplish that and I'm still paying the piper.

    If there ever is an "other" layout I'm halfway convinced to have all the track flat, and just make the scenery go up and down a bit to give the impression of hills. Of course, at the rate this layout is (not) progressing I probably don't need to waste too much time planning another layout.

    Regards

    Ed
     
  2. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    Funny you should mention that 0 grade concept. that is exactly why I opted for midwestern scenery. I figured my track work would be level and pain free. So far so good.
     
  3. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

    8,903
    3,622
    137
    You can always do the classic:
    Build it on 2 or more inches of foam and then cut down into it.to create your bridge. :)
    (or did she want one train crossing another? Rrrr really likes the way I can stage that on mine.
    [​IMG]
    Ed, Maybe time for a new layout? :)
     
  4. bnsf_mp_30

    bnsf_mp_30 TrainBoard Member

    158
    0
    14
    Crystal Lite containers (the ones that hold either 4 or 8 packages I think) make great silos and holding tanks. A coat of paint, a few pipes and or ladders up the side and you're done. Very easy if you're in "good enough" mode...
     
  5. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

    13,326
    499
    149
    Very nice, Ed! :thumbs_up: I like the rolling hills and scenery.

    I am catching up on some of these layout photos. Wonder if anyone in this thread has more updates?

     
  6. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    11,140
    261
    135
    That is great!

    Charlie
     
  7. dlobmwm3

    dlobmwm3 New Member

    7
    0
    9

    Is this N or HO. I am trying to modify my 2 hollow core doors to fit HO but will likely need to add sections for turning.
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,735
    653
    Should be N scale.

    Welcome to TrainBoard!

    Boxcab E50
     
  9. dlobmwm3

    dlobmwm3 New Member

    7
    0
    9
    Thank you.
     
  10. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

    10,534
    707
    129
    Here's a trackplan for my N scale SLSF ArkLaTex Subdivision:

    [​IMG]

    Set to fit on a 27 1/2 by 80-inch space, it's based somewhat on the N scale Carolina Central layout built & featured in Model Railroader several years ago. Code 55 on the main, code 40 in sidings and spurs, code 80 in hidden staging. 10 1/2" radius, and only 4-axle diesels are used. Features the Frisco, but I have a MP GP38 and caboose for interchange (the spur at lower right). INdustries are a feed mill for local poultry farms and a paper mill. I have a Frisco Baldwin VO1000 for use as the paper mill switcher.

    The layout is in my bedroom over my dresser and television, with minimal interference to passage for myself and the missus. Proves that there is almost always room for a model railroad.
     
  11. Dwyane

    Dwyane TrainBoard Member

    170
    1
    24
    Here my plan and pic's for a 36X80 HCD, with 1" Foam and two layers of ceiling tile.

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]

    here the divider/backdrop made from pre-colored foamcore board

    [​IMG]
     
  12. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

    8,903
    3,622
    137

    Bob - I really like the final plan. Very nicely done.
    Enjoy
     
  13. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

    10,534
    707
    129
    Thanks.

    Just so's you know, what is seen in the trackplan is not exactly how the track looks in real life. Two of the spurs are placed slightly different at the paper mill to the right, as is the feed mill spur to the left.

    And, I'm trying to leave myself a spot for future expansion, should the local BLM allow it (a spot for either more running or a staging yard).

    Right now, I'm comfortable working with what I have.
     
  14. Biased turkey

    Biased turkey TrainBoard Member

    231
    0
    14
    Damn, I almost missed that very good thread.
    Nice work anyone. I sure bookmarked that link.

    I have a layout on 1 piece of hollow core door. ( 35" by 25" ) Does it count ?

    I use some leftover from 1 hollow core door I purchased to build my Subbuteo table soccer field.

    It is of course a minimalistic layout but it has all the basic ingredients:
    1 hill, 1 pond, 1 concrete road , a few structures, a runaround track and a spur serving a brewery.

    Jacques

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 13, 2010
  15. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

    4,333
    5,041
    93
    I recently got 3 doors that have only slight imperfections. Two 32" and one 30". The 30" and one 32" have the hinge and latch cut outs. The other 32" is flawless except for a small black stain. All for $6. I also have a bedroom that would easily accept a U shaped layout with room left for a work bench and a closet for storage.

    I'm starting to look for ideas but, it will have to wait until I find a job and put away my other passion for the winter. A '96 Honda Magna VF750C.


    Edited:
    Wow. You guys can't find them and I have them falling out of the sky. I got home from a doctors appointment and found another one lean on the garage. It's 24"x80" Brazilian Oak. The only flaw is a little water staining on one end. I'll edge and seal this one for a computer/work bench top. When that's done I can start using some of the great ideas I get from ya'lls. I've thought of going to HO but think I will stay with N to get more action.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 5, 2008
  16. pachyderm217

    pachyderm217 TrainBoard Member

    380
    168
    17
    Like Friscobob, I'm a diehard member of the N scale Hollow Core Door (HCD) Layout Society. Here's what I've been able to accomplish so far with foam atop basic lauan door slabs from Lowes.

    [​IMG]

    The door surface is the substrate for my flat riverbed.

    My Layout Construction gallery shows pictures above and below the layout illustrating how the HCD's are used.
     
  17. jimcullen

    jimcullen TrainBoard Member

    106
    1
    20
    Spring of last year it started like this:

    [​IMG]

    Now my 36" door layout looks like this:

    [​IMG]

    Some progress has been made in the last year....
     
  18. Biased turkey

    Biased turkey TrainBoard Member

    231
    0
    14
    Nice layout Todd, plenty of trees.
    I like the viaduct, is it from a kit ?
    How about the low relief structures, are they modular structures ?
    Why do you add sand to the wet paint, is it to add some texture to the paint ?

    I toured your Layout Construction Gallery, thanks for giving some details.

    Jacques
     
  19. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

    10,534
    707
    129
    Todd- nice layout! Have you a trackplan you can post? And nceat layouts, all that have posted pics so far- keep 'em comin'!

    Speaking of HCD layouts, the most recent issue of Railroad Model Craftsman has an article on an N scale layout built in a 30" by 80" ( may be 36" wide, I can't remember)space. While not actually built on a door, this plan could easily fit on one. If you see it, it's based on the Ann Arbor Railroad circa 1980, and features some orange GP35s and at least one RS1, plus some heavily kitbashed cabooses that capture the look of Wabash/Annie crummies.

    Worth a look-see, if for nothing else than to get some ideas you can use on your layout.
     
  20. Biased turkey

    Biased turkey TrainBoard Member

    231
    0
    14
    I really like your layout Jim, you work fast ... and well.
    I visited your well documented website. Thanks for sharing your work.

    My 1st reaction was: To have built such a nice layout in such a short amount of time, that guy must be retired :tb-smile:. Are you?
    I agree, the most important is to start a small layout and to complete it, included scenery.
    Again, well done

    Jacques
     

Share This Page