Hello,
I have been accumulating some large scale equipment trying to model the sp narrow gauge over the past few years and am looking to build a small layout so that I can run the equipment without the hassle of setting up and tearing down the tracks every time. Problem is that I live in a condo and the layout must go in my 12.5' x 17.5' concrete back porch. I've set up the layout, basically a R3 loop around the perimeter of the porch with a couple sidings to change consists, several times on the porch but I am not pleased by the look of the track just sitting on the concrete. In addition, our dog uses the yard for his business and I fear track on the ground will become a target if left out.
I have been looking into elevating the track for aesthetic and sanitary reasons. Does anyone have experience building an elevated roadbed on a concrete porch? I have looked at the articles regarding the plastic lumber "ladder" type roadbed, but most entail driving posts into the ground for support. Has anyone done something similar with a stand type support for use on hard ground? I see a small portion of a layout on a concrete driveway in this thread, http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/forumid/9/tpage/1/view/Topic/postid/59362/Default.aspx. I am also open to suggestions of totally different methods of supporting the track.
Also, I would like to make a section of the layout removable to allow visitors to access the patio. I was thinking of a lift out bridge, possibly securing the track in place with split jaw rail clamps when the bridge is in place. Does anyone have experience with or suggestions regarding this idea?
Thanks for any advice, I am just trying to get something set up as the trains are just gathering dust on top of shelves.
Steve,
Placentia, CA
I have been accumulating some large scale equipment trying to model the sp narrow gauge over the past few years and am looking to build a small layout so that I can run the equipment without the hassle of setting up and tearing down the tracks every time. Problem is that I live in a condo and the layout must go in my 12.5' x 17.5' concrete back porch. I've set up the layout, basically a R3 loop around the perimeter of the porch with a couple sidings to change consists, several times on the porch but I am not pleased by the look of the track just sitting on the concrete. In addition, our dog uses the yard for his business and I fear track on the ground will become a target if left out.
I have been looking into elevating the track for aesthetic and sanitary reasons. Does anyone have experience building an elevated roadbed on a concrete porch? I have looked at the articles regarding the plastic lumber "ladder" type roadbed, but most entail driving posts into the ground for support. Has anyone done something similar with a stand type support for use on hard ground? I see a small portion of a layout on a concrete driveway in this thread, http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/forumid/9/tpage/1/view/Topic/postid/59362/Default.aspx. I am also open to suggestions of totally different methods of supporting the track.
Also, I would like to make a section of the layout removable to allow visitors to access the patio. I was thinking of a lift out bridge, possibly securing the track in place with split jaw rail clamps when the bridge is in place. Does anyone have experience with or suggestions regarding this idea?
Thanks for any advice, I am just trying to get something set up as the trains are just gathering dust on top of shelves.
Steve,
Placentia, CA