Train Tracker

Laying the foundation

2010-12-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

So I decided I needed a foam base to build everything on. This will allow the nails to go in easier that hold on the track and I can dig out foam to the board to put in water features. I found some 1/2" pink foam insulating material at Menard's for $8.50. 1/2" is hopefully small enough since I only have my 4" or so that I can build up so the layout still folds up. I did notice the insulation sheet has a layer of film on it so I made sure I took that off before gluing it to the board.

To attach the base I decided to use 3M Foam Fast 74 Classic. This stuff is designed for foam so I thought it would be best and 3M Company is known for sticky stuff. The spray came out as yellow goopy stuff. I spayed both the insulation and the board.

I actually lucked out a bit. When I laid the insulation down it stuck immediately. I thought I would have a second to reposition it but I didn't. It didn't lay perfectly as it left a ridge on the front of the board. But like I said, I was lucky and I can work with that. I did crack the insulation trying to reposition it, but that shouldn't be an issue since all this will eventually be covered over.

You can see the ridge in front.
Now the layout will just slope off a bit.

The Crack.

At first I thought I might want to use some bolts and large washers to hold the insulation down as an extra precaution when the layout is folded up. But this glue has made the board and foam sheet as one. I don't think I will need to worry about the weight of the layout one bit.

Matthew was helping me today. He was happy to hold the pieces of insualtion as I cut and broke them off. He is ready to start playing :)

Pensyvania Railroad

2010-12-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

Being that I was born in PA I am drawn to the state. I have always been in awe of steam engines and coupled with my ties to PA I fell in love with this steam engine. I like the 4-4-0 engines. My father owns an HO engine he bought as a kid called The General. Let's just say it inspires me.

So I have my PA line engine and so I had to get some rolling stock to go with it. We were in Strasburg and stopped at a train shop. I probably could have bought them anywhere, but being there and seeing exactly what I wanted I had to get them. I think the passenger cars color looks awesome with the black engine.

Then to finish it off I got a PA Railroad caboose. Doesn't look the greatest because the color is off a bit, but I can't have a train without a caboose.

Of course when I took my engine out some of the wheels popped off. So I'm already going to have to delve into the world of engine repair. I don't really know what I'm doing but it should be fun.

Where to Start? The Train Table

2010-12-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

I first got excited about trains a couple years ago and started the process but quit for who knows what reason. However, I got my train table built and I am still very happy with it. My problem I had to face was where to put the table. I found a place in the basement which would work great but we also use that space for entertaining larger groups of people for dinner. In the end I designed a table that could be folded up and put away.

On the wall I built a hanger that could hold the weight of the table. Since it is in the basement it is anchored to the wall with bolts. The frame is built with 2x4's so it is heavy and therefore sturdy. When the table is down there is a simple bolt through the frame and the legs to keep it from folding while down and while the kids get close. Just take the bolts out and they fold on their hinges. There is also an eye bolt on one side the hook it up and hold it in place. Once I build the scenery I will put in stops to protect the scenery when up.

The hanger on the wall is built 4+ inches away from the wall which will allow room for the scenery. I need to be careful not to build too high and to make sure everything is held down well. It shall be challenging especially since I want a tunnel among many other things. It sure is a good thing I am using N-scale trains for this.

Then to make everything look nice my wife was gracious enough to stitch a curtain to hide it when we are entertaining guests. The intention is to be able to put the curtain around the bottom of the table when it is down too.

Now I just need to get moving on my creation. I have never done this before but I have been reading a lot. Hopefully with everyone's advice and a few ideas of my own I will be somewhat successful.

Next post I will share my engine and the cars I already have and am excited to running :)