Hi all, I've been thinking that a good starter project for me would be a coffee table layout. I'd like to start some discussion on this topic for anyone who's interested or who's been there or is doing it now. In trying to come up with a track plan, I've run into some of the complications of this type of layout. Since we're "under glass" (at least that's what I'm planning) we have to worry about overall height. There's also little room for grades because the trackwork is so scarce. What I'm contemplating doing is building a table with a particular inside dimension (probably 2'x4' or a hair larger) that can accommodate a "drop in" type module. That way if I ever want to change the layout (say for a seasonal scene) I can simply lift out one layout and insert another. This may be a little bit ambitious though, and may never come to be realized. I'm wondering about how tall rolling stock I will have to deal with. I have a feeling the time period will be somewhat driven by the space and the resulting tight radii. I'll have to run short length rolling stock I'm sure. What would be a good little engine for such a layout? A little steamer? Anybody make a good one? I'd love to hear some discussion and ideas from those of you who have thought about this type of layout. Right now I'm leaning toward a plan that is similar to Woodland Scenics' "Scenic Ridge". It will be a simple twice around and I don't forsee any turnouts. Just something simple to keep me involved and develop some skills. Thanks for any discussion, insight, or advice Clem
Clem, I think that's a great idea. Here is a great link to get some ideas from: Trains under glass There was a good article in the July / August 2000 N-Scale magazine about a layout in a dining room table, which could give you a bunch of ideas. Good luck! Can't wait to see some plans/photos. 2slim
Clem I'm in the process of building just that, check out my humble Site. To me it doesn't look like much but what the hack. Click Pilot project to see my coffee Table layout. by John
Starting in December 1970 and running deep into 1971, MR built a 2' X 4' coffee table layout, using Atlas flex track and #4 turnouts. They also used a double x-over, so you'd probably need one custom made. Try finding the mags, it's a pretty detailed story.
I am expecting any day, MR 1970 & 71 complete. I will scan the complete Coffee Table series and install it on my hard drive. After which, it will be available to anyone for the asking via email.
I am posting a site that you can check out for a multi-level coffee table layout. The photos used to be better and showed the interior of the coffee table with its mountainous sides more dramatically; however, the chap has decided to go commercial with his idea (good for him) and I find the pictures not quite as dramatic. However, he does include a track plan and talks about his coffee table layout. This might give you inspiration: http://www.dcc-bitswitch.com/coffeetable.htm
Interesting that I should find this thread after the past weekend. I live in a one bedroom apartment in Southern California with my wife and cats. I thought I was going to do a modular layout and had gone as far as drawing some pretty detailed plans. The only problem is I can't leave it out between sessions and I don't have the room to store all of it. So I decided to do a coffee table layout. It is 2' x 5' and based on an HO 4' x 8' layout done in MR called the Berkshire Division. It features a dividing ridge with two seasons (fall and winter), one on each side of the ridge. With all the modern freight cars and diesels I've been collecting I was surprised to find that I have about 20 40' cars and 3 locos that will run just fine on the 11" radius curves ( two SD-7's and a SD-35, SP of course ). I for one am definetly interested in keeping this thread going.
