How to add elevation / create a multi-level Lionel train set using plywood + studs

Begin by tracing your layout onto 4ft x 8ft quality plywood. Recommend 3/8" thickness for maximum flexibility. For elevation use 2" x 4" studs - check for straightness - and glue with ample carpenter glue. Vary height of studs keeping rule 2-3% incline. Overpasses should have 6 3/16" to 6.5" of clearance. Since a Lionel train set is considerably larger than an N or HO train set, I recommend using wood instead of stryofoam. In all likelihood you will have to walk on your train set table more than once and the wood will support your weight. Space studs out every 10" to 11" inches.

[@elleryparsons2433]

That is Gonna be A Monster layout when Done.

[@csx4402]

Nice set up & looks very solid too.

[@uptrains]

Super job.look forward to seeing more.

[@17designs]

Thank you Brian. You can see the completed layout here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rprEo36PjLSiadE

[@barryconnell1634]

Your video doesn’t show where you begin or where you end. Does not mention how you made your curves or their radius although it does look good you should have waited till you were done or have done it in multiple videos to explain the entire process

[@PhilBender612]

ya, i was wondering the radius of the turns, 0-60, 0-72? he didnt say.

[@chrisrobertson9717]

Emo Phillips... is that you? Great layout and elevation changes.

[@17designs]

Hi Chris, thanks for the feedback. Norm Jurgen

[@silkcustoms520]

Beautiful Work. Raw Talent.

[@17designs]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the feedback. If you haven't done so already please see the finished the layout kzbin.info/www/bejne/rprEo36PjLSiadE

[@danielpaulson786]

Your a badass dude.well at least in your track laying skills.thankyou.

[@jameslujack2034]

wow...that is more talant than I have in wood working..

[@patriciaboulware5552]

Very AWESOME!!! Cant wait!!!!

[@17designs]

This is how the layout all started. There was about a month's worth of planning and several drawings before I got to this state. It helps if you can visualize a layout in your head. A final suggestion from my wife pushed the layout over the edge.

[@frankbullitt4556]

great video and idea.

[@17designs]

Glad you liked it! Please enjoy my other videos as well. Regards Norm

[@uptrains]

Looking good

[@17designs]

Thanks. Be sure to check out the finished layout - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rprEo36PjLSiadE

[@trainroomgary]

Cool design and a lot of well done work. Cool. • Cheers from The Detroit Mackinac Railway • Pronounced: (mac-in-aw) 🚂

[@17designs]

Thanks!!

[@binhvandu999]

THAT IS SO AMAZINGLY AWESOME!!!

[@17designs]

Thank you. Sorry for the late reply.

[@bennyhill3642]

That is such an AWESOME TRACK!!! Would you tell me how far your 1st level is off the floor and how tall are you???? I'm hoping to be able to scale down to 10'10 x 9'7 that leaves me 2' all the way around the track to work on the track!!!!😄😆😁😂😇😇😇😁😊😊

[@17designs]

Hi Benny! Thanks. The lowest level is 37 inches from the floor, middle level 44 inches and the top level 50 inches. I am 5' 11" Hope this helps!

[@vincentvanpaepeghem4844]

Great video.

[@17designs]

Thank you! Please have a look at my recent videos to see how the layout has progressed.

[@edfossum5517]

What is your minimum radius on this layout design

[@Zero-si1pv]

whered you get all the track, I only have a circle and no trains yet, so Im Wondering?

[@17designs]

I've been collecting since 2003 and have purchased track in train stores in NY, PA, MI, IL, OH and ON. I little here, a little there - it eventually adds up.

[@Zero-si1pv]

@@17designs what would you recommend?

[@17designs]

@@Zero-si1pv Establish a realistic budget, treat yourself when you can with small purchases and make sure all your other financial oligations (bills, family, friends) come first. If you have a partner or children please include them in your hobby. It creates a great bonding experience and fun for all. Cheers!

[@17designs]

@@Zero-si1pv I suspect by your videos you're a little younger than me. All's good! When I turned 16 I got a job washing dishes after school in a local hospital. The money I made helped fund my train hobby and let me spend time with friends.

[@Zero-si1pv]

@@17designs Thank you so much for the tips!

[@JxT1957]

can you use all plastic trestles for a double layer train instead of using wood?

[@17designs]

Yes, definitely! In that instance I would recommend plumbing conduit. Wood is likely cheaper. Whatever you use it should be strong enough to hold your entire body weight because you need to climb over these areas when fixing derailments or creating scenery.

[@17designs]

You can but I find the plastic trestles are too steep. My grades are 2% and less. I think you will find plastic trestles are 6%. if you want long trains - 21 cars or more pulled by a loco - than the more gradual the incline the easier it is on the engine. It also looks more realistic.

[@brianadams688]

Hi sir , I like your video. I have a question please . Is Lionel the same as O scale. and would the old lionel track work with the one with the plastic road bed today .

[@17designs]

Thank you. Lionel trains are available in 2 scales (Lionel O and American Flyer) however the one I am showing is O scale. Yes, you can definitely connect older Lionel track to the plastic road bed. You will need a transition track (Lionel O 6-12040 FasTrack ).

[@hectoravila7036]

Hi do you do this play wood cuts for people?

[@17designs]

No. This is only a hobby and I am sharing my experiences with other train enthusiasts like yourself

[@peggyandthegreenfamily5469]

HOW DO YOU GET TO THE MIDDLE IF A TRAIN DERAILS OR TO BUILD YOUR DIORAMA? BEST WISHES KEN

[@17designs]

Fortunately that doesn't happen often. I can run 4 trains surprisingly well and I've discovered which locomotives and cars cause issues so I avoid taking them on those routes. In the event a car / loco does derail, I designed the layout with areas I can step on that won't damage any the scenery. It's a little like being Godzilla and requires some yoga movements. Again, it's rare there are any issues and most of the inclines are 2% or under.

[@peggyandthegreenfamily5469]

@@17designs THANK-YOU FOR YOUR REPLY A REALLY GREAT LAYOUT LOVE IT? WELL DONE BEST WISHES KEN

[@areyouarobotz]

but do you even lift, bro

[@sherrcon]

i am new to railroading..with all the money spent on the tracks, i wouldn't have anything left for train set alone..how do i get around this expensive tracks..thx

[@17designs]

To best enjoy a hobby I always encourage people to spend only "Disposal Income". Make sure current obligations - family, food, accommodations, transportation - are fully paid + then enjoy the rest. Next, set a reasonable budget and realistic expectations. Modelling railroad as a whole can be an "Expensive" hobby. I started modelling with N scale - mostly Atlas + Kato - and it was fantastic! For the most part it was affordable and my wife was happy that I was busy + the expense wasn't too big. Lionel trains, on the other hand, are great too - but you need the space & you need more disposal income. Don't let expensive track spoil your fun. If you still can, choose a smaller scale - N or HO - and begin with a simple design. Once you mastered that - dismantle and re-build. If your heart is set on O scale investigate a pre-made Lionel set with track + transformer or consider MTH - MTH is just as good!! Cheers!

[@sherrcon]

thank you my friend..

[@burlingtonbill1]

+sherrcon - DON'T USE Lionel Fastrack ! (By the foot, it's THE most expensive track there is !) Use Gargraves or, if aesthetics don't matter and penny-pinching does, use Menard's O-gauge track and buy used O22 turnouts on eBay.

[@sherrcon]

WOW!!!!...thank you, thank you..it was so discouraging to see the prices on everything that i wondered if it was all worth it..now, my heart is slowly thumping again..thanks

[@burlingtonbill1]

I'm with you on pricing. Somebody needs to hold Lionel's feet to the fire. (It used to be Marx, then later, K-Line.) I love the company, and LionChief is a big step in the right direction. But they could KILL their competition by lowering prices a bit. Marketing cheap plastic G-gauge sets as a "gateway" to REAL trains in O-scale is a terrible idea. Everything breaks quickly and gets tossed. Menards is a godsend right now but their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Good luck on your foray into the wonderful world of 3-rail "O". Hopefully you can make it fun and make it a family venture. That's the ONLY way this hobby will survive!

[@kevinjohnson7468]

Hello Norm, can I have a copy of your track plan or can you refer me to where I can get a copy? Thank you.

[@17designs]

I just made up the plan to fit the room. Laid out the track on the floor and maximized the space.

[@karlschweizer2554]

i must say thats cool circles suck right it would handle old heavy postwar trains

[@17designs]

The outer track used O72 curves and switches. The inner used O60. The layout handles heavy weight passenger cars just fine! I added 3 WYE tracks to allow for trains to reverse directions.

[@17designs]

I fit 21" modern passenger cars on the outer loop. 19" fit on the inner loops. My smallest curve is O60.

[@johnnyrailer]

Im diggin the layout dude!

[@zeeeman8744]

Could you use screws to hold the studs ? Good info ! Thanks

[@17designs]

Yes, absolutely! If your wood is warped you can use screws. Since all the plywood I used was fresh and my stud measurements were bang on gravity and glue did the trick.

[@bennyhill3642]

That is such an AWESOME TRACK!!! Would you tell me how far your 1st level is off the floor and how tall are you???? I'm hoping to be able to scale down to 10'10 x 9'7 that leaves me 2' all the way around the track to work on the track!!!!😄😆😁😂😇😇😇😁😊😊

[@keithcerce8445]

Wow ! Lookin 👍

[@17designs]

Thanks. It is certainly a challenge to get Lionel trains to run over top of one another!!

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

Lionels 3 tracks are deal breaker

[@17designs]

Sorry to hear that. I am quite happy with FasTrack.

[@MrStevesTrains]

You already screwed it up. Plastic rail bed on plywood is a no go! Reverberation = Noise.

[@pierluigicolotto9570]

Woodglut is a good solution for every woodworker.

[@Kylestrains93]

Y3rdffffĝg