Subject:
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Re: Need Help Designing a Train Table
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Sat, 30 Apr 2011 22:29:55 GMT
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Viewed:
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20325 times
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In lugnet.trains, Clifton D. Chambers wrote:
> Damon,
> You should first determine the purpose of your train tables and your long-range
> goals. Are the tables train tables only for your personal use, or do you
> anticipate using them as part of a club display. If the later is true then you
> need to build the display tables based on the ability to break down, transport,
> store, etc. Since you intend to move your display inside over the holidays, you
> should think in terms of a modular design with several tables combined to make
> up the display table. They must also be built with the ability to adjust the
> height. Most club tables have been built over the years with the same
> dimensions and a close standard, and are interchangeable.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=50011
>
> If the tables are for your personal use and not anticipated to be part of a club
> display, etc., then you will need to focus more on where the table will be used.
> Keep in mind that it is better to cut the table measurements based on the size
> of the large base plates rather than the other way around. The club tables used
> by WaMaLTC are 40.25" to a side (square), in club terms 128 studs on each side.
> The size of our club tables are just big enough to maximize the display area,
> but still small enough to be manageable in transporting in an SUV, van or large
> car.
>
> There are several reasons for the measurements of the table. You do not want to
> make your table any larger than your ability to reach the center of the table
> with ease. If there is a problem (building repair, derailment) in the center,
> you want to be able to fix the problem without creating additional problems.
> You should be able to reach up to four feet from the side without difficulty. If
> you are going to place the display against a wall and are using larger
> measurements, you will have to consider the use of nontraditional layouts (L
> shaped, etc), or some kind of opening that you can open from below the table,
> to maintain the four-foot rule. If you are going to add a mountain or tunnel to
> your layout, make sure you can get access to the whole tunnel without destroying
> your display. There are a number of websites on model railroading that will
> give you some good ideas on designing your layout. Some of the LEGO layouts are
> designed using TrackDraw and is very helpful. The parts, including track, road
> plates, and base plates are preloaded and measured.
>
> You may want to paint or treat the wood to keep it from cracking, and drying.
>
> Remember not to cross the polarity of your track in setting up the layout.
> Positive and negative current remains on the respective side of the track. If
> you are going to a large table display, you will have to reinforce the sides or
> some other means to stabilize the middle of the table. Anything less than ¾
> inch plywood will sag over time.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=115662
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=2470339
>
> I hope this helps in giving you a good start. I am sure others will provide
> more insight to guide you creating you LEGO train layout.
Clifton;
Thank you for that info and the links. My table is only for personal enjoyment,
will not be traveling, and I have a limited space in my garage. I had considered
leaving a space in the middle, but your modular idea is really great. What do
you use to connect the tables together at shows?
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: Need Help Designing a Train Table
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| (...) Clifton; (...) We use two- inch spring clamps to connect the tables on the underside. Two per side on each side where two tables are joined: (URL) spring clamps hold the table together without damaging the wood. Our tables’ legs are attached (...) (14 years ago, 2-May-11, to lugnet.trains)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: Need Help Designing a Train Table
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| Damon, You should first determine the purpose of your train tables and your long-range goals. Are the tables train tables only for your personal use, or do you anticipate using them as part of a club display. If the later is true then you need to (...) (14 years ago, 28-Apr-11, to lugnet.trains)
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