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With all the talk of Lego train tables and layouts, I'm pleased to say that I will be building my first set of tables this weekend. I'm using the PNLTC standard plywood table plans as found at (URL) and (URL) tables will be for use at home with my (...) (25 years ago, 23-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Legomodules
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(...) Larry has a picture on his site: (URL) is the GMLTC layout at 12 sections, we've since added 4 more. Each section is 45 inches (three grey baseplates) across the front, and 30 to 40 inches deep. Track height is 20 bricks + 1 plate above the (...) (25 years ago, 23-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Legomodules
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(...) Try: (URL) (for just the one pic) or (URL) (for a small page with a few others) ++Lar (25 years ago, 23-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Legomodules
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Larry & JohnG, Thanks for pointing out these pictures. I think these pictures will help those of us who have not seen these wonderful displays at a train show. Those GMLTC pictures are stunning... Now I understand the need for standards beyond (...) (25 years ago, 23-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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I built about 5 of those style tables. They seemed quite more work than they should be, but maybe I am just not very proficient at woodworking. (Probably the latter). If you want easy tables, make them with 3/4" plywood and use 2x4s on their edge to (...) (25 years ago, 23-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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2. Get some Birch faced plywood. It has a closed grain that will take primer and paint well, or if that is too expensive, just get some plain old plywood. Make sure to use primer if you use the plain stuff, so that the grain will be hidden. Build (...) (25 years ago, 23-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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(...) For a schematic of the current iteration of the GMLTC layout, check out: (URL) The dimensions of the rectangles are 30" x 45" (6 large gray baseplates) -John (...) (25 years ago, 23-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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Mike has some good points. The PNLTC design isn't the most simple thing out there and Mike suggested a reasonable alternative. The PNLTC design is designed to keep weight to a minimum and still have sufficient strength. Personaly, I have 8 or so of (...) (25 years ago, 23-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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The PNLTC tables aren't too bad to make once you have the jig for the holes. I just have the guys at Home Depot cut the top wood for me (3/8 particle board for the NGLTC), their saw makes a much nicer cut the I can do on the driveway with my (...) (25 years ago, 24-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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Perhaps my tables are a bit overkill for a tabletop Lego layout (actually, they definitely are) but they are not overkill for a legomodular layout where 70+ pounds of bricks are put on top of them in addition to the structures and rolling stock. (...) (25 years ago, 24-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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FYI, it's more expensive, but if you use birch plywood for the top/sides/girders, the table will be much lighter, stiffer, and stronger than using plain plywood or LDF/MDF. You could go all the way down to 1/4" birch plywood and still take an (...) (25 years ago, 24-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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Thank you all for the suggestions. I don't have time to comment now on each one (things are a bit crazy in the office this morning). But I have printed all of the suggestions and will be taking them into account as I build my table. I do believe I'm (...) (25 years ago, 24-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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Good point, I really wasn't thinking about how much a legomodular would weight. Mike Poindexter wrote in message ... (...) (25 years ago, 24-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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I'm pleased to say that I completed my tables over the weekend. Birch faced plywood was the way to go. The surface is nice and smooth and required minimal sanding. The tables also offer the storage advantage when used at home. I can store lots (but (...) (25 years ago, 28-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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I have found the cheapest way for skirts is colored bed sheets. I bought a a few sets of sheets (not fitted) and cut them in half, they work great. Plus they already have the edges seamed. You can add Velcro to the edges or just use clear thumb (...) (25 years ago, 28-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Building my train table
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(...) Quick note - some train shows require that your skirting material be fireproofed. The GMLTC had to spend around $100 to have our skirting treated before last year's NMRA show. (Check with your local dry-cleaner.) Our tables have 1"x4" (I (...) (25 years ago, 28-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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