Joined: 16/10/2001(UTC) Posts: 793 Location: Pittsburgh,
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I am planning a display of most of my models that will be not running on the lay-out. I am thinking about self-contructing it with five different levels, a nice neon light for illumination etc. and to hang them on the wall along the lay-out. Ideally, I would find some of those furniture tracks where you can slide a glass door on so that I can protect the models from dust.
I want to use a "cheap" HO track since it will only be a display.
Q1: any suggestion as tp which track to buy? Piko?
Q2: has anyone build such displays? suggestions?
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Joined: 08/01/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,218 Location: Shady Shores, TX - USA
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I use code 83 atlas flex track, it can be found for around $3 for a 3 foot section, older flanged wheels will just hit the ties so it keeps cars from rolling to one end. |
DT Now powered by ECoS II unit#2, RocRail
era - some time in the future when the space time continuum is disrupted and ICE 3 Trains run on the same rails as the Adler and BR18's. |
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Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC) Posts: 3,997
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I kept my old straight Märklin M track for the display cabinet - matches the older models nicely. If you don't have that, then the cheapest per linear length may be good but.... you may have some digital trains that you would want to also power in the display cabinet - interior lighting etc... and that would call for 3 - rail track... also another idea, if you are making the cabinet yourself is to cut a groove in the wooden shelf, just the right width, and let that be the built in track. The cost of a dado blade top do this may be met by the cost saving of not having to buy any track... I used an old computer punch card cabinet, turned it 90° sideways and removed the old middle shelf. See http://layout.mixmox.com/1/train_displayI attached a perspex/plexiglass cover to the front to keep out dust. Just realized this was about 22 years ago ! If you do make your own cabinets, make long ones rather than short ones with more shelves. Trains are long linear things and look better that way IMHO Edited by user 08 December 2010 01:04:46(UTC)
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Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,193 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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I also used Atlas flex track. It is relatively cheap and looks good. I used code100, just because that is what my K track is. Incidentally, I also used this track in the hidden sections of my expansion to save a lot of money. I bought code55 rail from an N-gauge supplier to power it and hot glued the code55 in the middle. works great. Here is how it looks:  By the way, here is my display case:  I got it from Custom Display Cases in Dallas PA (near York) |
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Joined: 28/07/2006(UTC) Posts: 880 Location: Augusta, GA USA
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DaleSchultz wrote:I kelp my old straight Märklin M track for the display cabinet - matches the older models nicely. If you don't have that, then the cheapest per linear length may be good but.... you may have some digital trains that you would want to also power in the display cabinet - interior lighting etc... and that would call for 3 - rail track... also another idea, if you are making the cabinet yourself is to cut a groove in the wooden shelf, just the right width, and let that be the built in track. The cost of a dado blade top do this may be met by the cost saving of not having to buy any track... I used an old computer punch card cabinet, turned it 90° sideways and removed the old middle shelf. See http://layout.mixmox.com/1/train_displayI attached a perspex/plexiglass cover to the front to keep out dust. Just realized this was about 22 years ago ! If you do make your own cabinets, make long ones rather than short ones with more shelves. Trains are long linear things and look better that way IMHO Great idea about having powered track in the display. Eric
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Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,193 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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Eric:
You misunderstood me...the powered track is in the hidden areas of my layout. The display is unpowered, however that is not a bad idea..I could have the lights on. Hmmm... |
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Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,597 Location: Spain
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Will it not damage/deform the traction-tires, if the models are standing still on a track during longer periods? |
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Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,193 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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I don't think so. I have not had a problem with loks I have take off the shelf to run. Also, I have bought loks on eBay that were advertised as having been displayed only and never had a problem. At any rate, it is easy enough to fix. |
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Joined: 30/03/2006(UTC) Posts: 71 Location: Amsterdam
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My display has glas shelves. I have glued rail profiles directly on the shelf using doublesided selloptape. This lasts extremely long. I have made the display in 1985. Sofar I have renewed only small parts on some of the shelfs. The profiles are connected to power. Hence I can switch lighting of the trains in the display and even run them. In the weekend I will make some pictures.
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Joined: 14/04/2006(UTC) Posts: 304 Location: Southern California
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rschaffr wrote:I also used Atlas flex track. It is relatively cheap and looks good. I used code100, just because that is what my K track is. Incidentally, I also used this track in the hidden sections of my expansion to save a lot of money. I bought code55 rail from an N-gauge supplier to power it and hot glued the code55 in the middle. works great.
Idea of the month! -juha |
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Joined: 30/03/2006(UTC) Posts: 71 Location: Amsterdam
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 A picture of my display, dating from the moment when I build it. The bottom shelf is the frame of display. Here I have track in ballast. The shelfs are 6 mm glas. For a test I have placed K-track. Notice the ugly shadows of the slepers on the middle shelf on the picture. The top shelf on the picture has track profile directly glued on the glas. This is done by double sided sellotape. Power to the rail profiles via metal strips in the grove that supports the shelf. My display is in use now over 25 years. The sellotape last extremely long. Sofar I have renewed some small parts on a few shelves. A benefit of having only rail profiles is that the underside of coaches and engines is visible. When you want to know more, do not hesitate to ask.
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Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,994 Location: CA, USA
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Mario, Custom Display Cases (www.customdisplaycases.com) also gets my vote. I have 4 of them in the 5 foot versions and they are GREAT! (no business tie here, just a plug from a very happy customer) |
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