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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2020 18:41:56 GMT
Hey guys and girls.
I'm planning to install a 3rd loop. Which will be elevated.
What have you used to elevate a loop? It can be made or purchased.
I've made things to elevate a loop but wasn't happy with the results.
I plan to use flex track but can go with curves with set radius.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2020 19:16:58 GMT
You might want to watch a couple of Mr Muffins videos.Most of Steve’s top level is raised and you can get some good ideas from him.
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Post by Yellowstone Special on Jun 14, 2020 19:17:40 GMT
I used to have an elevated loop on my Fastrack layout. Problem was that with 3 trains running simultaneously, it was impossible to carry on a conversation with visitors. So I got rid of it and now just run 2 trains. My elevated loop was very basic and since it came down after about a year, I'm glad it was. I just used 3/4-inch dowels with a 1/4-inch thick wood roadbed (should have used cork). Operationally, it worked very well with no problems. However, you may want to put a little more into yours than I did with mine.   |
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Post by ptc on Jun 14, 2020 20:54:58 GMT
You can buy a professionally made system, but you will get sticker shock quickly. For a good looking system that is very sturdy, I used 1/2" plywood for the decking. (I had a double elevated track system) I used 2" wooden dowels to support it. For the edging, I used 2" flexible wood strips that I painted black. I used wooden match sticks for the girder effect.  |
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Post by JDaddy on Jun 14, 2020 22:31:12 GMT
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Post by fabforrest on Jun 14, 2020 23:49:01 GMT
nice looking JDaddy very effective.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2020 1:38:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2020 10:34:44 GMT
All fine examples of elevated tracks! Sure is nice to see some options. Great work guys. Lot's of innovation here on the OGF! Gives me great ideas for our layout. Keep 'em coming!!
Thanks,
Gary.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2020 16:16:57 GMT
Wood that is kinda what I'm looking for. Is there any way one could add sound deadening? How's the noise from the trains running over the elevations?
Brian that looks nice. Do you have any pictures of it being constructed?
John I like the looks of what you've created. I need 20' worth shipped to Sebewaing but one track ... Lol
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Post by ptc on Jun 15, 2020 18:56:19 GMT
No RJ, it was 14 years Ago. So, I did not save installation photos.
But the system I used is simple to follow.
1. I traced the track that was to be elevated on rosin paper so I had an outline of the elevated track decking.
2. I used this pattern to trace on 1/2" plywood and cut the decking.
3. I used joiners for the plywood sections and at that point, I had the decking complete.
4. I placed the 1/2" dowels (I made them 10" high) where they were to be installed.
5. I drilled holes on the benchwork surface where the dowels were to be installed and then secured screws from underneath to affix the dowels to the benchwork. The dowels were placed at each seam and in between the joints. They were staggered on each side to give added strength. I then placed the decking surface on top of the dowels and secured it to the dowels with screws.
6. I installed 2" flexible wood strips to the edging, then glued wooden match sticks at 2" intervals to give the appearance of girders.
7. I painted it all black.
I bet I spent less than $ 100.00 for a system that ran some 40'. Looked great at a price you cannot beat.
I hope this helps.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2020 0:12:07 GMT
Wood that is kinda what I'm looking for. Is there any way one could add sound deadening? How's the noise from the trains running over the elevations? JR, It does not need sound deadening. When the trains are running over the elevated section, it is quiter then running on the table. Most noise from model trains comes from the echo created underneath the table when the train is lumbering over the tracks.
Search for the BridgeBoss website. Jim Robinson's telephone number is on the site. Call him up. He will gladly help you. PS you will see a picture of my elevated track on the site.
Brian that looks nice. Do you have any pictures of it being constructed? John I like the looks of what you've created. I need 20' worth shipped to Sebewaing but one track ... Lol
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2020 14:53:06 GMT
Wood I checked out Bridgeboss and that is a little costly for a small loop. It does look good though.
I'm thinking I'll blend what Brian and Jdaddy have done and come up with something.
On another note ... Vern you make a good point with the noise issue. I had three loops on my last layout and it was fairly loud.
Another question for those that have elevated loops - does it interfere with the view of whatever is inside the area it is around?
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Post by JDaddy on Jun 16, 2020 18:34:19 GMT
I can walk you through what I built. If you have a table saw you can have 20' done in a couple of hours. And it cost you about 20 dollars.
the artist plywood is actually much thinner, about 1/16" thick. I got the idea when I was a kid and I had one of those American Flyer #747 cardboard up and over elevated truss kits. They were very strong, and easy to construct.
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Post by ptc on Jun 16, 2020 20:32:55 GMT
"Vern you make a good point with the noise issue. I had three loops on my last layout and it was fairly loud."
Never had any issues with excessive noise. I use Johnson rubber roadbed.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2020 14:13:39 GMT
John I have a band saw and miter saw. Would I be able to do the construction using one of them or should I look into getting a table saw. The wife just loves when I buy new tools!   |
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