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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?

I was 8 when I first had a 4x8 layout. Not knocking things off is a part of the learning process.

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.

J T wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:15 pm

I was 8 when I first had a 4x8 layout. Not knocking things off is a part of the learning process.

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

Just curious, what is the height of your layout?

Or just make the table off limits unless you’re around…

David Collins wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:46 pm

Or just make the table off limits unless you’re around…

Much easier said than done.

My suggestion would be replace your rolling stock with cheaper models that you won't necessarily care about getting damaged/destroyed.

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.

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

David Collins wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:46 pm

Or just make the table off limits unless you’re around…

I was five feet away

Chip wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 27, 2021 1:44 pm

My suggestion would be replace your rolling stock with cheaper models that you won't necessarily care about getting damaged/destroyed.

I’ve considered that. Just going and getting a bunch of $5.00 cars at the next train show.

AARR wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:44 pm

Just curious, what is the height of your layout?

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.

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.

Surround the table with thickly padded carpet.

This is what I was thinking that way the kids can reach without their arms hitting anything

~Z~ wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:10 am

I don't suppose you can drop the height of the layout to a couple of inches...

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.

LansingRailFan wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:35 pm

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.

Sounds like a plan! I'm happy I was able to help!

Please post a picture of your layout/track plan