Building a Model Railroad Lift-out Section and Track Plan Overview. HO Scale 12x20 Layout part 14

I use some simple methods to build a liftout section for my HO Scale model railroad benchwork. I used alignment dowels to locate the liftout section and then use table-leaf clamps to secure the liftout section.
I discuss my track plan that is drawn in XTrack CAD and describe my vision for this layout.
I am also considering using a photo backdrop and I am looking for a vendor who can print high quality photo backdrops and can do some customization to suit my layout.

[@davidcurtis5398]

It's not going to bounce up and down unless you are in a second or third floor area and then only is someone is jumping on the floor. Or maybe in an earth quake!!!!! Again an overthink..... For this kind of glue up carpenter's glue is over kill. Regular white glue will be just fine. Staples are fine but I have fallen in love with a new pin nailer I got for Christmas last year. I usually complete the entire base, lift out and all, and then place all of the foam on the base. I can cut the foam apart after the glue dries and that usually (99 times out of 100) will give you a flat road base.

[@SPSteve]

Everything has worked fine, I'm pleased with how well the lift-out section works with track alignment and stability. As I mentioned to you in another comment, I removed the hold down latches.

[@jamescherney5874]

Seems way too complicated and inconvenient to have to unlatch 2 latches and then lift the whole thing up. Hinging one end so it flips up seems so much better.

[@SPSteve]

I got rid of all the latching hardware. It was unnecessary. I just set it in place and it works great.

[@derekalexander4030]

Great job on the lift out. It would be great to some track put down.

[@SPSteve]

Thanks! The track is down on the lift out section. All the track for the layout is installed, it is fully functional. I removed the clamps for the lift out section because they weren't necessary.

[@IMRROcom]

I have looked at the same ideas for a lift out. my situation is a little different (Swing Down) so those will not work for me. but I'm a fan of the pins and sockets.

[@SPSteve]

A swing down would be nice. My walkway is probably too narrow for a swing down section, it's only 24" wide at the lift-out and the isle is only 32" wide. And I tried to keep it simple; drop it in, latch it and plug it in. A guy can build a pretty fancy setup if he puts some thought into it.

[@IMRROcom]

@@SPSteve I wanted to do a swing up, but the end would hit the ceiling, So it is a swing down. Do to the fact the benchwork is high I have more vertical space below grade than I do above grade.

[@SPSteve]

@@IMRROcom interesting, what's your bench height? I set mine at 50".

[@IMRROcom]

@@SPSteve 54" with a 48" span across a door at that location

[@bobbyviti7794]

Looking awesome already, can't wait to see the progress...

[@SPSteve]

thanks, Bobby! I'm going to try to find someone who can print me a photo backdrop, but also think I am also going to get organized for laying some track.

[@davidcurtis5398]

In the 40 or so years I have had lift out sections I have never (that is never) had to have anything to hold them down. The weight of the unit will hold any in place and since there usually is no movement, I never even thought of a hold down. If the unit moves a little, simply add a little weight to the lift out. I really think that people over think and over react to the thoughts about how they will need to "hold down" the lift out section. Most hold downs are UNNECESSARY.......

[@SPSteve]

Yep, I removed the latches and gravity is the only thing holding down the lift-out section now. I've had zero problems with trains running over the lift-out section since removing the latches even after going through the summer heat temperature cycle with expansion and contraction.

[@upsd402]

Looks great, can’t wait to see the first train running.

[@SPSteve]

thanks! I think I'll print out the track plan for the town area and see how it aligns with the benchwork?