G`day Folks, I guess I am like most of you who have been to model railway exhibitions, and have had some concerns for the stability of some of the exhibition layouts. Most exhibitors follow the standard method of fixing some sort of leg system to the bottom of their baseboards, usually set up in such a way so that it can fold up under the layout for ease of transport. This is all well and good and works very effectively, and in turn is also employed on home based layouts as a means of getting the whole thing off the floor. It is a method used again and again so that one may have an independent, free standing layout, which in turn makes it portable, should it ever need to be moved. This brings me now to the point about stability, especially at exhibitions. I would think it would take no effort to knock over one of these layouts and cause considerable damage, because the method is very lightweight and in some cases unstable. 99 times out 100 this is not a problem, however if you have a small layout at home, with either small children or boisterous dogs about, one slight nudge or fall or slip in the wrong direction, can send your prized layout on a sensational crash to the floor. This possibly could happen at an exhibition also as youngsters are always trying to get just that bit closer to the layouts, by hanging over the backs of the chair barriers placed along to protect the exhibits. Surely somebody must have taken a dive into a layout and caused some distress at some time. With all that pessimism in mind, I have come up with an idea for a considerably more stable platform for small layouts. The basic module can be daisy chained or linked if you like to suit larger layouts and all is explained in the video below. This method is simple and can be used by anyone of any skill level. Of course it may be too low for some operators and it could be improved, however this is just the basic idea that you can take and run with. A Sturdy Base For Small Layouts http://www.clickGormo
Hi Gormo, Just got around to viewing your video. We have similar tables over here. I bought one for Lynne to use as a dressmakers table. They are very sturdy indeed so I'd agree, ideal for a small layout. Some folks may not be confident enough with their carpentry skills to build their own folding table, especially a sturdy one so this could be a good alternative. Good video and subject. looking forward to the next episode. Cheers Toto
Thanks Toto, Yes they are very stable. One of the guys on my YouTube channel is considering buying one for the steel work alone and dispensing with the top. The steel frame is secured by three screws in each of the rails down the long sides of the table....that`s all. He reckons 50 bucks for a strong folding leg system is a bargain. So there you are...??????......people are always thinking outside the box... http://www.clickGormo
Exactly my thoughts, however I opted for the folding table (slightly different edge design), but easier to store and transport ... Peter (Z Downunder)
From my exhibition thread - table not visible, but it's under there doing a sterling job ... Peter (Z Downunder)
