Dick’s been in touch with his indoor G scale layout:

“Al:

As mentioned before, I decided upon using 3′ by 6′ tables as standard.

24 tables were made. I precut all required 2 by 2’s for perimeter frames, cross braces, legs, and leg wings.

All holes for screws that attach leg assemblies to the tables are pre-drilled in the exact same spots so the leg assemblies are interchangeable. Only 2 crew sizes are needed.

I hate to waste lumber, so I figured in all of my cuts to use up every last bit of wood I had.

All framing is glued as well as screwed together. The result is lightweight tables that are strong enough to support my weight along the edges and centers of each table.

Should the need arise to actually climb up on top of the tables I lay a thicker mat of plywood or 2 by 8’s or whatever on the tables to rest my hands and knees on.

Just like using dominoes, I can make most any configuration with these tables.

When the tables are in place, then short metal bars are used to tie the tables together as can be seen in the photos.

The tables are kept sandwiched together by using simple metal strips connecting adjoining tables.

Each table is identified as table 1 through table 24. Each table has a North end and a South end labeled.

Each leg assembly is also labeled with table number and North or South.

Even though the leg assemblies will interchange with the tables I found slight variations so decided to number the legs as well.

Next came the scaled detail diagram showing table layout, and table orientation, I plotted a track diagram that would fit nicely, then using my diagram as a guide, I then drew the layout in pencil on the tables.

Next came the track sections to match the layout center lines drawn on the tables.

After all track was in place, I labeled each track section and marked it out on the table also so I would know where each section went each time the track was assembled and taken apart.

The roadbed was then painted on which looks very good really, using a mixture of paints and stippling them on for a 3-d effect.

More pictures to follow will show the simple painted on rivers, some greens and browns. The majority of the tabletops were left bare as they already have a fairly nice earth color to them.

Wiring is kept very simple, all wiring laid on top of the tables, no permanent under table wiring to snag. Wiring on top is easy to disguise when necessary.

For this layout all curves are 8′ diameter and 10′ diameter with many 20′ diameter curves tossed in also. turnouts are all #6 Aristocraft switches.

Next up will be some discussion on era chosen, some scenes of Crow Agency Mt which is on the Crow Indian Reservation.

Thanks again Al.

I will work up part 4 next, after a couple days here when I have more time.

Dick Chapple Sr”

Indoor G scale:

A huge thanks to Dick for sharing his indoor G scale. It’s funny how what you choose to make your layout on is so important – it affects so many things.

Make your layout table too low and you’ll end up with a lot of back ache, and of course, getting underneath the table is also a problem. But at least the little people can enjoy the trains too.

Making your table higher means it’s easier to get under it for the wiring – but then reaching the middle of it gets to be a pain the backside. And the little peeps won’t be able to see so much of it. And of course, derailments can whizz of the side of the table which sometimes becomes expensive.

In fact there are lots and lots of posts on this subject – because it really does have a huge bearing on your layout. Here’s one from Rob that proves the point…

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.