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Hi All,
After seeing a plan ( MR Oct 2007 N scale Great Northern Ry) layout size 21'' X 42'' iwuold like to do something similar for the living room in a coffee table no bigger than 4FT X 2ft and am looking for ideas of other plans and layouts .... using a table anyone ideas where best to find designs and ideas ?
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This is the third of three that I built...
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Hi Squidbait /CN,
Many thanks for the pics and video gives me lots of ideas .......... i already have the Erie station on there Squid built up ready to find a home ........ CN did you fit a glass top to the table ? and do you have a plan for the layout please?
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Nick,
I think, philosophically, I would plan a layout with an interesting mainline run, and not worry too much about switching... lifting off the tabletop to couple/uncouple (it does happen, even with the best-kept Microtrains couplers) can be a bit of a pain.
Focus more on getting an interesting run through some good scenery, probably a folded dogbone style, and see what fits in your space.
2x4 isn't huge, so I'd shoot for short diesels and freight cars, otherwise, to my eye the big stuff looks goofy going around tight curves.
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Squidbait Wrote:Nick,
I think, philosophically, I would plan a layout with an interesting mainline run, and not worry too much about switching... lifting off the tabletop to couple/uncouple (it does happen, even with the best-kept Microtrains couplers) can be a bit of a pain.
Focus more on getting an interesting run through some good scenery, probably a folded dogbone style, and see what fits in your space.
2x4 isn't huge, so I'd shoot for short diesels and freight cars, otherwise, to my eye the big stuff looks goofy going around tight curves.
Hi Squid,
Yes i have a few short locos and freight cars aside for a small layout one of my favorites Atlas 70 ton hoppers.
The scenery is to play a major role in any layout as you say 4X2 isnt large but wuold like some interest in a gradient and dogbone as you suggest.
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I remember seeing TN's coffee table layouts on the old site, they were cool!! Good to see them again
Josh Mader
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Hi TN,
They look superb i especially like the last one
have to look out for a nice table to house a layout in now
I came across this folded dogbone on a search of firefox last night as a concept of a layout giving a grade and interest.
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I like the plan Nick, that should be fun to build, and there is even a small run-around track in there!! Thats cool lol
Josh Mader
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Wow. Those look like a ton of fun.
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What a fantastic thread.
I would love to have a go at a coffee table layout, I know it will be a while away yet, but seeing this is certainly inspiring and gets the juices flowing.
I guess they are N scale? for that size table, and are there problems going smaller?
Anyhow it looks cool TN.
Jack
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OBJack Wrote:I guess they are N scale? for that size table, and are there problems going smaller?
Anyhow it looks cool TN.
Oops, sorry Jack, missed your response... better late than never I guess...
Yes, all three of MY tables are N scale. You can go smaller but I've found that a 4 axle diesel will go around about a 6.5" radius and not much smaller. If you want smaller, check into Z. I've always wanted to try a Z scale table but never have.