"THE" Layout thread

[Catt]

Ok this is where all you lucky people get to look over my shoulder as I stumble through the construction of my new portable Z scale layout.

First up here are two pics showing the basic construction of the layout table.There is nothing fancy about it but it will be nice and sturdy.

First pic is of the table top. It is nothing more than a 1/4" plywood handy panel sanded one side.



The top will be covered with expanded polystyrene (you know "blueboard"). I haven't really decided what thickness yet though I am leaning toward 2" so I can get some decent below grade scenery.This will be surounded on all 4 sides by masonite.


Second pic is of the bottom,here I splurged some and bought a better grade of material.The framing is of premium grade wood that used to be called screen stock because that was the origonal intended use of this very stable and straight wood. The framework is attached to the plywood top with 1"drywall screws.



The trackplan is going to be pretty simple not much more than a single loop with a couple of sidings for good measure.Anyway now you've seen the start of it.

[ak-milw]

That ought to be a pretty giant layout for Zscale.

[Trainman1965]

I like that water heater and fan. LOL just joking Catt. looks like you are going to have a lot of room on the layout for Z scale. Next pic's please

[Catt]

That ought to be a pretty giant layout for Zscale.

It really is though there are some that are the size of my basement N scale layout.I am infact planning to build a larger one but the main purpose of this one is to be able to put it in the backseat of my 01 Prizm and take it to trainshows.

If and when I do a regular home layout it will be with flex track so there will be less joints to contend with,but for right now this one will be my self teaching aid.

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you have Andy,I will try to answer any and all and maybe we can all learn something new from this project. By the way that goes for the rest of you too.

[ak-milw]

Thanks Catt,
But any questions I have probably will be more from curiosity than anything else.I can't see myself working with something that small. To me N scale is to small.

[TallDude]

Originally Posted by Trainman1965

I like that water heater and fan. LOL just joking Catt. looks like you are going to have a lot of room on the layout for Z scale. Next pic's please

Shush... thats not a water heater, thats his model of the international space station!!! He's going all out for this layout!

[Trainman1965]

Originally Posted by TallDude

Shush... thats not a water heater, thats his model of the international space station!!! He's going all out for this layout!

A little big for a Z scale layout. Maybe it is a G scale model of it to copy

[Catt]

Ok,you guys ready for the next instalment? Tough your getting it anyway

Here are a couple quick pics of the table framework that I built last night to hold the Z layout or my N scale DCC test track at a comfortable working height for me.

I used the same 1" x 2" screenstock for this that I used for the layout framework.





As you can see it is a very basic assembly,but since it is going to be supporting a max of 15 pounds I'm not to worried about strength.

Next project is putting on the extruded polystyrene (in blue and green).

[TrainNut]

You mentioned earlier that it was going to be transportable in your Prius. The legs however look fixed. Do you just plan on taking them off and putting them back on each time?

[spyder62]

Originally Posted by ak-milw

Thanks Catt,
I can't see myself working with something that small. To me N scale is to small.

Hey Catt,
There's nothing wrong at all with Z scale and Andy knows what HO stands for
HORABLY OVERSIZED (sorry bud had to do it ). Heck I even cut Z scale kits just takes a better drawing to do it right a thou in O is nothing in Z it's a bunch.
The frame work looks ok but you better add some diagonal bracing or it will not last long taking the top on and off.
rich
rslaserkits