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Construction a Drop Leaf Access For Middle of Layout
Mike models HO and asks the following question. Readers are welcome to post diagrams, or photos in the COMMENTS under Mike’s post:
“What is the best way to build a drop leaf for access to middle of layout? We will be running 2 tracks across about 2 foot span.”
3 Responses to Construction a Drop Leaf Access For Middle of Layout
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Are you thinking hinged at one end or a totally removable section? Either way, you need to be sure that the ends are able to reliably align exactly, repeatedly, so the tracks are aligned. The easiest way is to use alignment pegs of some sort. There are many videos on YouTube about this.
The other thing to consider is having an isolated section in the tracks on both sides of the gap with each section at least twice the length of your longest locomotive (longer if you are using momentum on your DCC system and ‘keep-alives’ in the locos). Power to these “dead” sections should be controlled through having the drop leaf in place. This is so you won’t accidentally run a train across the gap when the drop leaf isn’t in place.
I will be hinging one side. The pegs are an idea. Thanks
I have just successfully done this, like Dale says. I have used three – not two, for extra stability – hinges that are made for kitchen and bathroom cupboards. These actually operate in such a way that the hinged end of the drop leaf moves slightly out before the swing upwards, thus enabling a really close connection with the baseboard and a very small gap.