The other night at the N Scale club we was discussing layouts in general and I causally mention my temporary switching layout on my 30" x 60" dinning room table...After the usual good natured ribbing(yeah,I can see it now,here comes the mash potatoes express etc) the discussion then turn toward using a table/2" insulation foam combination..

Then the usual questions came up such as lighting,Fascia board,control panel etc-far more questions then I believe necessary and thinking well within the normal box of "proper" layout designs elements...I contend such a layout will call for out of the box thinking..

Lighting could be similar to to that of a pool table but,use a row of incandescent lights mounted on a overhead track.

Control panel..This could be mounted in the usual fashion.However,if one will be using Kato's Unitrack then all that would be needed is a schematic with the location and number of the turnout-the switch controls mount on the Unitrack power pack..DCC users would need to wire the controls for DCC or perhaps use the power pack for switch power.

As far as the Fascia one could use plastic or wood molding strips.

Then the cost of the table came up and many thought a HCD with folding legs would be cheaper..It was mention that the table could be bought use at a yard sale or perhaps a estate auction.

What do you think?

Would such a layout be feasible?

Frankly I am not exactly sold on the idea of a table layout because IMHO it would be no more then a glorified HCD.

I have not quite decided which kit I am going to build. It will either be a coaling tower, freight transfer, or a cinder pit and conveyor. Not nearly as ambitious as some of the others I have seen listed thus far, but it is getting me off my butt. Pics to come when I actually pick one.

Matt

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Hey all,
So I'm currently in the process of rebuilding my layout. Currently the bencwork is in place and I've got the basic plan...but now I need more than just the track plan... I need a 'region' to mimic for scenery and industrial purposes.

The plan is:



My motive power consists of a lot of steam and some early diesel locos. 2/3's are Canadian National, 1/3 is Canadian Pacific... I got some other locos that I got because their gorgeous (Challenger, Daylight) but are not prototypical of Canadian operations.... Out of my buildings, all I currently have thats not directly related to the main terminal is a Forestry Co. kit from Walthers.

Obviously I'm modeling Canada... but what would be a good area to use as an inspiration for my layout's scenery...and what should I call it? The Pacific South Eastern really doesn't work without the mountains. And this layout only has gentle rolling hills....

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The Wilmington & Western Historic Tourist Railway derailed yesterday...

I got a question for all who want to put in thier 2 cents. Is it possible for Thrall 4750 Covered Hoppers to be bought out bya company or private owner and be used to carry plastic pellets?

HO Scale Concrete Segmental Bridge Side-by-Side Comparison:
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Please let me know what you think, this one has been a work in progress for a month or so now, just finally got around to properly finishing up. Its not too in depth, but will give you a good sense of what the products offer.

This was posted on Atlas

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I always wonder about this possibility when I am sitting there counting cars!!
This is a real matter of the-wrong-place-at-the-wrong-time, I guess. Quite sad.

Here we go now.I chose to bash a Walthers Carfloat apron in HO scale.It was a partially assembled (poorly) and damaged kit I picked up some time ago for a steal, Perfect kitbash fodder. I will have to "unglue" most of the kit somehow to get all the parts to line up properly. The Headhouse and steal pear will have to go,They will be back dated to some thing a little less modern looking. the apron rail will be electrified and a system for getting power to the barge will be added because I intend to move some small locos over the water also.    
Because of the nature of this bash I'll need to build it in place. So first up is to prep the layout where it is to be installed.    
That is the future site of the Susquehanna river. I first figured out the height of the "high water mark" and build the river bed from 1/2 inch ply wood. It was then covered with a layer of Durham's water putty and painted a dark green.