WesternOutlaw

That's actually a really interesting idea - but unfortunately space intensive. One of the nice things about the shelf idea is to get them off the table taking advantage of limited table/room space. Your idea would certainly help keep the dust off, which is a challenge with the shelves. That looks very good - nice job! I like the wider depth allowing for more than just the trains (like the Town Plan you have pictured). I had thought about using brackets but was looking for something a bit more fancy (although your shelves look really good, and very secure).

Opening the trap door, a set of wooden stairs descend into darkness. A fowl stench can be smelled below. Pete leads the group down the stairs carefully, as each walk slowly... STEP... STEP... STEP... CREAK...... At the bottom is a large room which appears to be the basement. It is cold and damp. There are a number of barrels in the room, some wooden crates, and a horrible odor coming from the darkness ahead. A rat scurries by as you grab one another from the surprise!

That's great Wssim. Thanks for sharing the video! And welcome to EB. I hope to see you participating in more train topics.

Wow! That's certainly an interesting working display. Thanks for sharing. Over the years, I've seen a number of people do similar things in rooms with G-scale trains. I had even thought about adding a shelf around the perimeter of my computer room to do the same, but I'm not that "handy". For this, R/C or P/F track would be nice so that you wouldn't need to worry about powering it and could control the train from below. Great display. YouTube also has some videos of Lego ceiling trains. Nice!

With the addition of my train shelves, I was able to free up some conjestion on the old train table in addition to loosing 16 pieces of track now used on the shelves. I had to reconfigure Train Town yet again to this most recend version that is a bit more open than before. For "playability", it's actually better to have more open space for swooshing cars, hosting mysteries, etc. So, my latest version of Train Town: This layout is more symmetric with building being more evenly spread out. In the center is the new train station, which I really like: To the left is Main Street and this time, I didn't add any additional roadplates that always end up "lifting" the tracks. To the right is the "friendly farm" (maybe a little close, but it could be a country town (perhaps even Willoughby)): The middle section again with station: To the right is the large Train Engine Shed placed at an angle. I tried placing this at an angle before, which I actually like (not everything needs to be square). Nearby is a small train yard with cargo and forklifts: While Train Town is a collection of many train sets and a few structures, it is a MOC in the sense of building a larger layout with each of the components. It's very enjoyable to move things around placing them around the track as one builds a town. If I changes one thing, it would be to turn the Engine Shed to show the doors toward the front as opposed to the back (still at an angle). Comments welcome.

Thanks for the info. I don't have an Ikea in my town, but that's good to know. The longer length would be useful for displaying a train, vs. just an engine or two.

Interesting topic Adam. (see also Track Mix) While I don't have any 12V track or 12V trains, I am running 9V, R/C, and Power Function trains on a 9V layout. First, I like having the 9V layout because I can power it for my 9V trains (which also include a few 12V-designed MOCs with 9V engines), as well as the R/C trains. In fact, I have even ran two trains on the same track (the R/C Cargo Train Deluxe), followed by a 9V train, using the 9V transformer and R/C controller. If you do this though, you just need to be careful to match speeds so that they don't eventually hit, which they will do sooner or later. In my collection of track, I have more 9V than anything else, although I am starting to build a good collection of new R/C track. I'm thinking about ordering one set per month to help build the collection gradually. I would like to have a 2nd set of track to run two trains on the same table (not connected). I think 9V track will allow you the best use of different trains (except for 12V; which, as mentioned by DaCheese above, you can convert to 9V). It would be much more difficult to convert 9V trains to P/F for use with new R/C or P/F track (with new motor and power supply). You can always run a 9V and 12V track side-by-side if you don't want to modify your 12V engines. You just need the space on your table or room floor. In regard to 10183 Hobby Train, it doesn't include a motor, but it's most likely made for 9V which you can easily add.

Nice job Coop. I love the hotrod in lime green. Does it stay on with the chains pretty well?

Thanks Dave. I like your tractor flatbed a lot as well. I'm thinking about creating a flatbed to carry a vehicle or two - perhaps a forklift.

You take the lantern, but unfortunanely, it has no kerosene. None of you have matches to light it either. Interesting... Nothing is discovered upstairs; but as you go downstairs, back to the main room, you do have a closer look at the floor. Realizing that the group initially saw a trail through the saw dust, you decide to follow it. It leads into the adjacent room toward one of the many piles of wood and sawdust. As you sweep the sawdust off the floor, you realize a trap door in the floor... Nothing irregular about the dynamite or the barrels. dito Nothing is dicovered in your search. ---------------------- The group is getting a bit sleepy and has decided to spend the night in the mill. Before some "shut-eye", you may explore one additional place in the mill, before closing this chapter and starting Chapter 12. ----------------------

Yes - pretty easy. Two philip head screws each + plastic dry wall anchors. I only used the regular screws (as weight is minimal), without the anchors. The hardest part is making sure they are level. One of the shelves (the one with the Santa Fe wagons) is slightly tilted and they want to roll a bit. Some Lego or tape at the end of the track makes sure they don't. I had not done any projects around the house lately, so it was kinda fun - plus it relieved some conjestion on my train table.

I got busy today and went to my local Target to pick up some shelves and a level. I purchased four 4 1/2 X 24 inch shelves that fit four straight track. Cost was $10 (USD each), which wasn't that bad. The result is this, which I'm actually quite pleased with: Unfortunately, the shelves are not enough to display all my trains, having a lot of rolling stock left over. It's amazing how much space these trains take. I've also been looking at the glass display shelves made for trains, which are nice because they're closed up to prevent dust. These are pretty pricey though, and I'm not sure about the right scale.

Over the past few weeks, as I've been taking many trains out of their storage boxes and building them, I realized that I'd like to leave these great sets out for some time in the distant future. My dilema is that I want to destroy my Train Town which will displace the shunting yard where I have these trains now. So, that brings me to my question, how do you display your trains? Bookshelves? Curio Cabinets? Work Tables? Do any of you have a favorite place or method for displaying and/or storing your trains? I'd be very curious as to how you train fans display your great sets.

Thanks for the feedback and constructive criticism. I wasn't particularly fond of the double windows either. I replaced one with some 1x2 green log bricks and must say that I like it better. Freddie mentioned the length of the wheel base needing to be two studs less. After attempting to change the wheels to classic-style, I realized that the distance is only 1/2 stud difference. I could bring the 9V wheel trucks in one stud, which would make it 1/2 shorter than the original set, but I like the look of the wheels closer to the buffer, as opposed to further away. I ran out of ink on my color printer, otherwise I would have added a "DB" decal on the door. I know that I've said this before, but it truly is fun to build these classic 12V sets. I really missed out on these during the early 80s. Here's the revised version:

Okay - I tried replacing some on my recent Green Boxcar. While they seem to work okay (haven't tried them on points yet), I must admit that I don't like how they look: I'm not sure if it's the color or the smaller size (or both), but not too fond of them. I've got quite a few of these red wheels from old sets and thought I might be able to put them to use.

I was wondering: I've been building a number of classic 12V trains using 9V train wheels for rolling stock. I don't own any classic train wheels, but have any of you tried substituting 4.5/12V train wheels with regular wheels from the same era. The most obvious difference is the larger inner rim that would help the wheel stay on the track. Without this rim, do you think that the (x425) wheel would stay on the track? Also, for those of you familiar w/12V trains, does one also need the rubber to go around the wheel for added friction? I might have to give it a try. 4.5/12V Train Wheel Wheel Centre Spoked Small with Stud (x425) (Regular Wheel)

After seeing AJW's fantastic classic 12V scrapyard train with yellow boxcar from 7735, I thought I would have to try building one. With no yellow train doors and windows, I tried building one using green pieces. So, created based on 7735 Freight Train set from 1985, I give you a classic green boxcar. It's definately not as good as the original yellow boxcar, but I don't think it's too bad. I love the ladder up the right side leading to a small top section with railing: Unfortunately, I had to use both clear and trans. blue windows: The classic green boxcar pulled by my little red shunter: And what might be the "special cargo" in this green boxcar? Try GOLD! Comments welcome.

AJW: I am so envious in regard to your collection of these wonderful 12V locomotives. I thought I saw everything with your last set of 12V trains, but now I see what looks like a modified 7750 in the picture. Truly fantastic! I want so bad to own some of these classic sets, and truly regret not collecting trains when I was a young chap. I like your story, but you should perhaps add a western outlaw or mystery host purchasing that scrap engine. What would an engine like that cost? I see that it could use some windows. Seriously though, great scene. I thank you for being active on the T&T forum and sharing these classic trains on EB. Now I'm convinced that Lego should bring back another classic train as a Legend.

Teddy: I absolutely love the colors and design. This is a fantastic library that deserves a BLOG.

Mark looks closely at the cutting tools. They appear to be the "run-of-the-mill" woodworking tools -chisels, small saws, files, manual drills, nothing of interest. Mark and Austin then have a close look at the benches. There are no drawers, and nothing special about the benches. There is a small kerosene lantern on one of the benches. Schmelt continues to look outside the windows as he envisions himself in a Davy Crockett beaver hat floating down the river on a wooden raft. No lights are to be seen, just a glimmer of moonlight as it bounces off the waves of the river. Pete looks closely at the dynamite barrels. There is no gunpowder within the barrels or nearby. Max begins checking the floor and walls of the 2nd floor main room and adjacent room with woodworking tools. Nothing is discovered. The room is becoming very dark inside...

WOW! What a fantastic scene. You've just trumped anything that I can build using my limited train parts. These 12V sets are truly fantastic. I admire these classic/vintage trains so much. I'm loving the yellow boxcar, esp. with the custom detailing that you've added. I may trying building one in an alternate color. Your wonderful train is a great example of how one can add anything to a flatbed wagon, including another train/locomotive. Thank you for sharing a superb set of classics. EDIT: since we're sharing our flatbeds, here's mine right out of Grave Stone:

Do you have an extra long train baseplate and a few extra train wheels available? Run out of bricks for that favorite boxcar? Tired of having to think about a new or creative wagon design? Why not try a FLATBED? That's right, a FLATBED. One of the easiest train cars to build, even for the non-train expert is a simple flatbed wagon. Flatbed wagons come in all shapes and sizes, some simply flat, some with raised sides, some short, and some long. You can easily create a classic-style Lego flatbed wagon, or even a more complex TTX variety. Whatever the choice, it's no so much the design of the flatbed that's important, but rather what you add on top (like a topping). Train fans get quite clever with what they place atop flatbed wagons as illustrated in the picture above. Cars, tractors, spooky boxes, containers, military vehicles, pipes, logs, etc. The possibilities are endless. So, what could you add to your flatbed? Perhaps other EB train fans have a few ideas. Share your thoughts in this Train Tech topic, Fun With Flatbeds.

This is a very interesting model. When I first saw "DB", I pictured a classic 4.5 or 12V train engine. I'm not at all familiar with this type of design, but it looks very good. It has a shunter look about it, but still heavy enough to pull a long freight through the German countryside. I like the smooth design that you've captured, combined with the color, which reminds me of something from the Hobby Train collection. I also like that DB decal. How do you make your decals, it almost looks like an official etched brick. Nice job on this. Do you plan to build any freight cars to go along with it?

Dave: This reminds me of something out of a model railroaders catalogue. It's fantastic! I love the color combination. Tan and dark orange looks terrific. The standard white windows work very well giving the MOC an almost "classic town" look. It's also neat to see how you used the train ends as the railing for the 2nd floor - very creative, and a design that works well. I also like the interior detailing that is what one would expect to find in a switching tower. This would have made a great scene for Murder on the Emerald Express. Great model, and I'm really enjoying all your fantastic creations!

Schmelt walks over to one of the large windows and presses his nose againsts the cool glass. He can't help to notice that it's getting dark outside. Soon, it will be night. Greaseman opens the unlocked door revealing another room with a number of work benches, small wood-working saws, and various cutting tools. Mark bumps into him as he runs into the room followed by Max. Arin and Pete begin looking at the various tools within the 2nd floor main room. There are saws, picks, and bands used for "logging" but nothing stands out or is of particular interest. Adam starts to hum the song, "For Your Eyes Only"... Austin enters the room after climbing up the ladder. Snitchman looks at the three barrels marked "explosives" while Eleanor makes a run to the ladder quickly climbing down the stairs. Carefully, he opens the lids to reveal a stockpile of dynamite sticks, wicks, and detonators. The mill starts getting dark and the evening turns to night... Pete turns on his flashlight.