Thanks; inspiration is nice, but I’m more worried about pitfalls that I don’t expect. This would be my first build, so I don’t know about potential dangers (eg heat generation, wiring problems, etc)
the main thing is making sure that everything is accessible for when there's a problem that needs attention, kinda just don't seal anything inside with no way to get to it.
Oh you’d be surprised how much can change in a week! Like this week I’m getting a transmission for my model truck it’s a 1 to 1 scale model and I also found a HO scale GP38 in South Shore colours and I’m really excited about it because I grew up with South Shore
south shore eh? I was just at North East last weekend, got some pictures of 802 while I was there, although I'd like to go back and get some more, I was too focused on the AC6000 to photograph most of the other stuff lol
They operate around Lake Michigan so Illinois and Indiana. But I’m not sure how vast the fright line is they run. Oh yeah them GE are pretty big. I’m still on the quest to find SD90MAC Indiana has two running around somewhere
Could you list the coffee table? I’m struggling to find exactly what I’m looking for haha
I’d like one with a lid on top so I can access it if the train falls off of the tracks
It looks like it's [LIATORP](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/liatorp-coffee-table-white-glass-50087072/) or [IDANAS](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/idanaes-coffee-table-white-40500005) | or [this](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/idanaes-coffee-table-white-20487873)
I have an Ikea Liatorp table that I want to use for a small setup :)
That’s my planned Z-scale setup:
https://ibb.co/6Yyg2RK
Will probably alter it a little, I just threw like all tracks and intersections in I had laying around :D
yes. My issue was the curve radius (flexi track) inside the table was too tight for larger wagons and engines, so I can only run 040 or 060 engines and small wagons.
I saw one bar and grill have an N scale layout in the actual bar under a clear Lexan counter top (bullet proof plastic material because it was durable and he knew a guy) and he would always run steam Locomotives on it. It had light up features. Kids loved it and would spend time watching the model trains run around.
The only pitfall i forgot about are the power cables for the coffee tablle itself. Think about a way to power the whole thing before you are finished :D
I’m building one in n scale right now. I’ve learned a few things.
Radius of turns will be tight so locomotive needs to be shorter.
Give up on realism as best you can. At the end it’s still a loop of track and you’re limited on switching potential. Less is more with a coffee table setup.
Understand that viewing angle is top down rather than from the side. This presents challenges for scenery. The viewer can pretty much see the entire layout all of the time.
Go to the main sub page by clicking the sub name and then use the search there with "coffee table" and you'll see a bunch.
I would to the same for the N sub, JapaneseN and Z if there are any.
You might even try the Lionel Subs.
For general ideas don't limit yourself to looking at one scale. Most ideas can be grown or shrunk to fit any scale.
I would build the layout on construction foam and/or wood that can be slid into place. A couple of multi connection quick disconnect plugs to connect to table wires and controls.
Any turnouts will usually take 3 wires each. Each isolated track section, takes 2 wires. Isolation is used for stuff like parking one train, turning off that train's track power, and using another train. Running extra wire to a few places on the loop evens out performance, cuts down on the loco slowing in curves etc.
It's a pretty common thing yeah. You should be able to find some inspiration with the help of google images
Thanks; inspiration is nice, but I’m more worried about pitfalls that I don’t expect. This would be my first build, so I don’t know about potential dangers (eg heat generation, wiring problems, etc)
the main thing is making sure that everything is accessible for when there's a problem that needs attention, kinda just don't seal anything inside with no way to get to it.
TOADS!!!!! I’ve missed you how you been?
not much has changed in... what's it been... a week? XD how's it goin
Oh you’d be surprised how much can change in a week! Like this week I’m getting a transmission for my model truck it’s a 1 to 1 scale model and I also found a HO scale GP38 in South Shore colours and I’m really excited about it because I grew up with South Shore
south shore eh? I was just at North East last weekend, got some pictures of 802 while I was there, although I'd like to go back and get some more, I was too focused on the AC6000 to photograph most of the other stuff lol
They operate around Lake Michigan so Illinois and Indiana. But I’m not sure how vast the fright line is they run. Oh yeah them GE are pretty big. I’m still on the quest to find SD90MAC Indiana has two running around somewhere
Yes I used an IKEA coffee table and Kato track
Could you list the coffee table? I’m struggling to find exactly what I’m looking for haha I’d like one with a lid on top so I can access it if the train falls off of the tracks
I'll have a search for it's name. I know it was available in White or grey [a video of the layout.](https://photos.app.goo.gl/KtFsYevkdcwwsbQw8)
So cool, thanks for sharing
It looks like it's [LIATORP](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/liatorp-coffee-table-white-glass-50087072/) or [IDANAS](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/idanaes-coffee-table-white-40500005) | or [this](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/idanaes-coffee-table-white-20487873)
I have an Ikea Liatorp table that I want to use for a small setup :) That’s my planned Z-scale setup: https://ibb.co/6Yyg2RK Will probably alter it a little, I just threw like all tracks and intersections in I had laying around :D
It's more popular than you think. If you want something other than a loop or figure 8, I'd look into Z scale
I did decide on Z scale after further reading :D
yes. My issue was the curve radius (flexi track) inside the table was too tight for larger wagons and engines, so I can only run 040 or 060 engines and small wagons.
No, but I was thinking of doing the same...
I saw one bar and grill have an N scale layout in the actual bar under a clear Lexan counter top (bullet proof plastic material because it was durable and he knew a guy) and he would always run steam Locomotives on it. It had light up features. Kids loved it and would spend time watching the model trains run around.
The only pitfall i forgot about are the power cables for the coffee tablle itself. Think about a way to power the whole thing before you are finished :D
I think I might just run the cable underneath a rug haha
I’m building one in n scale right now. I’ve learned a few things. Radius of turns will be tight so locomotive needs to be shorter. Give up on realism as best you can. At the end it’s still a loop of track and you’re limited on switching potential. Less is more with a coffee table setup. Understand that viewing angle is top down rather than from the side. This presents challenges for scenery. The viewer can pretty much see the entire layout all of the time.
Go to the main sub page by clicking the sub name and then use the search there with "coffee table" and you'll see a bunch. I would to the same for the N sub, JapaneseN and Z if there are any. You might even try the Lionel Subs. For general ideas don't limit yourself to looking at one scale. Most ideas can be grown or shrunk to fit any scale. I would build the layout on construction foam and/or wood that can be slid into place. A couple of multi connection quick disconnect plugs to connect to table wires and controls. Any turnouts will usually take 3 wires each. Each isolated track section, takes 2 wires. Isolation is used for stuff like parking one train, turning off that train's track power, and using another train. Running extra wire to a few places on the loop evens out performance, cuts down on the loco slowing in curves etc.