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To save space in our kids' play room, we would like to install some sort of suspension model train from the ceiling, like the one in the picture. We're just not sure about what material we could use to lay under the track itself. I'm not sure what they used in this photo, it was an old one I found on the Internet, but we'd like to do something similar that can accomodate bends (room corners).
Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @deb4981. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about constructing an elevated railway.
Do you think that this raised platform serves any functional purpose? If not, then cutting the lower section out of MDF panel would make the job a lot easier. I can only think of constructing the boxed section with two MDF panels, one on the top and bottom and a 3mm panel for the sides. I've constructed a rendering for you below, which should illustrate better. Alternatively, if you didn't want to create the boxed raised section, it might be easier to glue a few 18mm cutouts of the track together.
Let me know what you think of using the MDF panel.
Mitchell
Hi @deb4981,
It looks like they've had some custom frame welded up, which they've suspended from the ceiling with a length of threaded rod. It has two nuts and washers at the top of the frame to adjust its height and level the track. I suspect they are suspending from quite a high ceiling here. I've included a quick rendering below.
You could create these rectangular frames out of 42 x 19mm DAR Pine and screw them directly into your ceiling timbers. I would think that would work sufficiently and should be easy to create. I popped another rendering below of this.
Mitchell
Hi all, just an update on this project. I ended up doing a much simpler design which is basically upside down shelf brackets to make a shelf around the room.
I used MDF cut to track measurements in the corner and the 110x18mm DAR skirting board from Bunnings for the straights. It’s a bit rough and ready, but finally the track is complete and the train is running. Just going to put some strip lights behind it and good to go.
Next stop is through the walls into my daughters room and basically mirror this layout. Here’s a picture of part of the layout!
cheers.
Hello @darrkon79
What a beautiful railway project. I'm sure this is going to look awesome once the strip lights are in place. I'm sure everyone in the family will enjoy the train run once the railway is complete. Please make sure to post an update, I'm sure our members are looking forward to the final reveal.
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful project.
Eric
