table layout & protection
- LansingRailFan
- Pabst Peddler
- Posts: 11990
- Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2019 4:21 pm
- Location: Lansing
- Contact:
table layout & protection
I just got a 4' by 8' model railroad layout for my son. he has to do some amount of reaching over as he's almost 8. I don't want him to knock everything off of the able all of the time so I was looking into some sort of Lexan/Plexiglass barrier to attach around the table. Problem is that, right now, that would cost more than the table did at almost $500.
Do you guys have any other ideas or tricks that have worked at club layouts?
Do you guys have any other ideas or tricks that have worked at club layouts?
Re: table layout & protection
I was 8 when I first had a 4x8 layout. Not knocking things off is a part of the learning process.
Last edited by J T on Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimthias/
GRHC - you know every night I can imagine he is in front of his computer screen sitting in his underwear swearing profusely and drinking Blatz beer combing the RailRoadFan website for grammatical errors.
GRHC - you know every night I can imagine he is in front of his computer screen sitting in his underwear swearing profusely and drinking Blatz beer combing the RailRoadFan website for grammatical errors.
-
- Railroadfan...fan
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Sat Jul 08, 2017 7:41 pm
Re: table layout & protection
That was my first thought, plexiglass but after hearing $500
Unfortunately that was my only idea. I will be watching this thread though because as soon as I'm settled in my new place I want to start building my Railroad.
Unfortunately that was my only idea. I will be watching this thread though because as soon as I'm settled in my new place I want to start building my Railroad.
- LansingRailFan
- Pabst Peddler
- Posts: 11990
- Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2019 4:21 pm
- Location: Lansing
- Contact:
Re: table layout & protection
Dude I'm already two cars down including one fresh out of the box. It's gonna look like a tornado hit it if I don't do something lol
- AARR
- Incognito and Irrelevant
- Posts: 39030
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:39 pm
- Location: Washington, MI
Re: table layout & protection
Just curious, what is the height of your layout?
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
- Posts: 3135
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Mi
- Contact:
Re: table layout & protection
Or just make the table off limits unless you’re around…
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Re: table layout & protection
Much easier said than done.David Collins wrote: ↑Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:46 pmOr just make the table off limits unless you’re around…
Re: table layout & protection
My suggestion would be replace your rolling stock with cheaper models that you won't necessarily care about getting damaged/destroyed.
Re: table layout & protection
String wire around the edge. Plug into outlet.
But I would go with Chips' suggestion. Have rolling stock you get to play with and have rolling stock he gets to play with.
But I would go with Chips' suggestion. Have rolling stock you get to play with and have rolling stock he gets to play with.
Re: table layout & protection
At Menards I found this plexiglass that you could cut 4 inches tall or so and run that the length and width of your table around the edges.
AmeriLux 0.220" Thick Clear Acrylic Sheets at Menards https://www.menards.com/main/p-1539107081697.htm
Edit: In this video if my grandfather's train layout you can see a good example of plexiglass around the edge.
https://youtu.be/5uLKHUMZUog
AmeriLux 0.220" Thick Clear Acrylic Sheets at Menards https://www.menards.com/main/p-1539107081697.htm
Edit: In this video if my grandfather's train layout you can see a good example of plexiglass around the edge.
https://youtu.be/5uLKHUMZUog
Last edited by Micah_D on Mon Dec 27, 2021 9:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- LansingRailFan
- Pabst Peddler
- Posts: 11990
- Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2019 4:21 pm
- Location: Lansing
- Contact:
Re: table layout & protection
I was five feet awayDavid Collins wrote: ↑Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:46 pmOr just make the table off limits unless you’re around…
- LansingRailFan
- Pabst Peddler
- Posts: 11990
- Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2019 4:21 pm
- Location: Lansing
- Contact:
Re: table layout & protection
I’ve considered that. Just going and getting a bunch of $5.00 cars at the next train show.
- LansingRailFan
- Pabst Peddler
- Posts: 11990
- Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2019 4:21 pm
- Location: Lansing
- Contact:
Re: table layout & protection
It’s four feet tall and then on top of plywood and foam board so like 4’-4”. I can see my sons hair and top half of his forehead from the other side of the table. I’m working on benches as we speak.
- ~Z~
- Sofa King Admin
- Posts: 13183
- Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 2:14 pm
- Location: Grand Rapids, MI
- Contact:
Re: table layout & protection
I don't suppose you can drop the height of the layout to a couple of inches, so if the cars do fall, damage would be less? Although kid could then walk on the layout
I would say the $5 cars is probably a better route though.
I would say the $5 cars is probably a better route though.
Webmaster
Railroad photos on Railroadfan.com
Railroad photos on Railroadfan.com
Re: table layout & protection
Surround the table with thickly padded carpet.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimthias/
GRHC - you know every night I can imagine he is in front of his computer screen sitting in his underwear swearing profusely and drinking Blatz beer combing the RailRoadFan website for grammatical errors.
GRHC - you know every night I can imagine he is in front of his computer screen sitting in his underwear swearing profusely and drinking Blatz beer combing the RailRoadFan website for grammatical errors.
- AARR
- Incognito and Irrelevant
- Posts: 39030
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:39 pm
- Location: Washington, MI
Re: table layout & protection
This is what I was thinking that way the kids can reach without their arms hitting anything
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
- LansingRailFan
- Pabst Peddler
- Posts: 11990
- Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2019 4:21 pm
- Location: Lansing
- Contact:
Re: table layout & protection
All great suggestions!
We r using 1*3 to make a frame around the table and fastening six inch acrylic sheets to the outside. I have to cut the sheets and it looks like it’ll be the hardest part of the job.
Used Micah’s recommendation for Menards but went with 1/8th inch as it’s cuttable. The 1/4” is way too thick and to cut it into six inch strips would take me all day.
We r using 1*3 to make a frame around the table and fastening six inch acrylic sheets to the outside. I have to cut the sheets and it looks like it’ll be the hardest part of the job.
Used Micah’s recommendation for Menards but went with 1/8th inch as it’s cuttable. The 1/4” is way too thick and to cut it into six inch strips would take me all day.
Re: table layout & protection
Sounds like a plan! I'm happy I was able to help!LansingRailFan wrote: ↑Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:35 pmAll great suggestions!
We r using 1*3 to make a frame around the table and fastening six inch acrylic sheets to the outside. I have to cut the sheets and it looks like it’ll be the hardest part of the job.
Used Micah’s recommendation for Menards but went with 1/8th inch as it’s cuttable. The 1/4” is way too thick and to cut it into six inch strips would take me all day.
- AARR
- Incognito and Irrelevant
- Posts: 39030
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:39 pm
- Location: Washington, MI
Re: table layout & protection
Please post a picture of your layout/track plan
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...