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Building A Shelf Layout
Here is a tip sent in by a member of my online Model Train Club It has been edited slightly following a useful suggestion from another reader.
Here are my essentials for building a shelf type layout:
1. Perhaps consider track re-railers following some turns. This assists to re-rail the cars which can come off the track around the curves. However, if you do need to have re-railers on either side of your curves then you might have a problem with your layout. Either you are operating way too fast for the layout design or the trackwork is BAD.
2. I think it is a good idea to install a wire guard rail or flexi glass to protect the trains from serious damage as they could accidentally derail and smash to pieces on the floor. OOOCH!!
3. Running the trains often helps keep the track clean, as will a track cleaning car. High level layouts can be harder to clean and can accumulate dust and even rust more quickly.
4. I painted my baseboard black. This way everything is highlighted on my black baseboard.
3 Responses to Building A Shelf Layout
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i’m trying to build my first layout and having trouble converting scale drawing to life size. The scale is 7/8″ = 1′. If that is the case then what would each 1/8″ equal in life size?
Hi,
Divide 12″ by 7.The answer is 1.71. So, each 1/8″ equals almost 1 3/4″ life size. That extra .040 is equal to about the thickness of 13 pieces of paper.Nobody will see the difference. I won’t tell.
Regards.
Frank Borke
Hi there Robert, thanks you for sending me new tips i relly enjoy them. Keep them commin. I also have a shelf layout here in my room ill hve to measure It. It is up high so there is no seanery, It is just buildings and trains.