I am having a problem deceiding which way to go here I am starting a layout which will be at eye level do i use 1/2 in ply or 1/4 with the 1x4 under structure it will be 24"x75" and hanging it on the wall in my office so when i am tired working I can work on layout is their any pitfalls with eyelevel layouts I am using brackets that I got from qubical brackets that held table tops it will be strong enough also what is the best material to put over the plywood foam or other material want to use muti levels. Also how much space between levels and how long is track to get to next level I guess you can tell I am a novice just heard about the trainboard and hav been reading all the info and am learning a lot soo i thought i would ask and see if you can help thanks broomit
Roy- Unless weight is a factor, you'd probably be better off using the 1/2 inch. Otherwise, if eye level is where you want or need it to be, there really should not be a lot of trouble. Might be a little harder standing on a step stool to build scenery, etc. But it is a very good perspective for viewing the action! Boxcab E50
Roy, welcome to Trainboard. Hope you'll get all your questions answered. Keep us all posted on the progress of your layout. Good luck !
Howdy, Roy! Welcome to TrainBoard! I guess I can try to answer your next three questions: 1. Best material to put over plywood? Depends on how you want to do your scenery. You can lay down a layer of extruded styrofoam insulation, then lay your roadbed and track on that. Or you can use Woodland Scenics' risers, and lay roadbed and track on that. Both materials allow you to raise the track off the plywood and give you some vertical scenic separation below the track. Don't use the beaded styrofoam if you can help it; the extruded costs a little more, but it's definately worth it. 2. How much space between levels? Probably at least two inches, maybe 2-1/2. This allows room for a train to pass under the upper level. 3. How much distance to get the train from one level to the other? This depends on how steep your grades are going to be, and maybe how long your trains are going to be. A 2% grade is not unreasonable - this translates to a 2" rise in a 100" (8' 4") run. If you can get a shallower grade into your railroad, by all means do so. A steeper grade can be used, but then you are severely limiting how many cars your engines are going to pull. Hope this helps! If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask! Pat
Ok thanks a lot for the info boxcab,pat and trainboard I will take your suggestions and run with them again thanks seem like a nice bunch of people here glad tobe aboard Roy
Hello Roy. Welcome to Trainboard. Eye-level is great for viewing, but a little harder to do the building, scenery, etc. If the boards are kept as light as possible, they could be put on brackets but not fixed to them, so the boards could be lifted down to do some of the work, maybe. Any way you go, have fun, and tell us about your progress. Good luck
