Here’s an aspect of model training we haven’t thought enough about, the surface where we’re laying out our trains. I know, you like those little N gauge locomotives so it doesn’t seem like such a significant deal. Everything is so miniscule in N gauge that it just doesn’t seem like you need all that good a surface for it. But hold on. Give me a chance to set out my point. The kind of table you have your N scale trains on can actually be very significant. Here are some reasons why:
A strong surface is a necessity:
You are adviced to choose a surface that can hold up against the minor pushes. You don’t need your locomotives to withstand a the “Big One” but they shouldn’t derail when the garbage truck rumbles by outside. One unlucky moment and your locomotives could be in pieces tossed about the floor. What a horrorshow! Don’t open yourself up to that. If you’re knowledgeable with your hardware you could fashion this yourself.
Cool Tip: Here’s a cool tip. Remember that unused ping-pong table that lays forgotten in the basement? Sure you do, it’s the ping pong table that became your new toy train table. Ping pong tables are nice and big so they open up lots of options for your design. If you have HO or smaller, you will never need any added space than this. This is perhaps the easiest most cost and time efficient way of getting a great platform for your locomotive layout.
If you like to travel with your locomotives, you must have a well designed travel table:
Look to spend a bit for a good hobby table. There are a few different sites that specialize in hocking these kinds of train tables that are sturdy but light weight and easily portable.
Cool suggestion #2: Use ceiling area instead of floor space. Want your garage back for your cars? Attach your table to the ceiling with a pulley system and your problem is overcome.
Interlocking tables:
The best bet when it comes to tables, though, is domino style tables that can be used in any configuration. These tables usually come in 2’ x 4’ pieces that can be connected in any shape so that you can make really long pieces by linking the narrow sides or you can make wider surfaces by connecting the fatter sides. These domino tables frees your track layout to develop naturally. Unlike other kinds of tables that force you to alter your scheme to go along with their designs, these tables allow you to plan the dimensions of your circuit design. The light weight design is ideal for model train lovers. So light, its no problem to take your entire setup from room to room. Its even no problem to fit in your car trunk. In fact, you might find yourself changing your track design all the time.
A great model locomotive track is only as sturdy as the table it is constructed on.
Here is more information on N Scale Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.
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