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How to Build a Train on a Ledge in a House

A train running on a shelf or ledge is eye-catching and fun, but to do it right, early decision-making and careful planning are essential. You must consider the width of the ledge, how the train will make a circuit, where to place the power pack and train scale.

Things You'll Need

Plywood, pine board or shelf board
Power saw
Metal reinforcement strips or wooden braces
1 1/4-inch screws
Power drill with drill and screw bits
Cellulose based fiber wall board
Rail tacks
Small hammer
White glue
Scale model electric train with power pack transformer
25 to 50 feet of 18-gauge electrical wire
Scenery model kits

Instructions

Before You Begin
- 1
  Determine the appropriate scale of train based on the visual position of the ledge. If the ledge is above normal eye level, your minimum size will be HO scale (1:87), but a larger size like O or O 27 (1:48) or G (1:22.5) will be more visible. If the train will run at eye level or lower, use HO or N (1:160) or Z scale (1:220).
- 2
  Determine how the train will loop. Your train will need to complete a circuit, which may mean adding to your ledge to accommodate a turn around. Large-scale trains will require more turn around space or a complete circuit above doorways.
- 3
  Locate or create a place for the power pack, also called a transformer, near an electrical outlet and sitting at a convenient height. Your feeder track and wiring hookups should be near the power pack, too.
Build the Layout
- 4
  Assemble a loop of track that turns back upon itself, as opposed to a closed circle, as a trial run and to get a diameter of your return loops.
- 5
  Measure the assembled return loops. Add that amount of additional board plus at least 1 inch in each direction to the outer edges to accommodate the return loops.
- 6
  Cut additional board space as needed.
- 7
  Reinforce with wooden brackets or metal braces by drilling screws into place.
- 8
  Cut fiber board to fit the ledge and turn around if you want to reduce noise or create a base for glued-down scenery. Screw the board in place.
Wiring
- 9
  Position the feeder track, which receives the wires to conduct electricity, near the power pack. A corner disguises the wires.
- 10
  Drill a hole near the back of the ledge to accommodate the positive and negative feeder wires. Attach the wires to the track and power supply.
- 11
  Assemble the rest of the track, beginning with a turn-around loop. Tack rails in place, as necessary.
- 12
  Test the current by placing the engine on the track and turning up the power supply. Check for faulty connections and add a second feeder line farther along the track, if necessary, to maintain power.
- 13
  Add scenery, using white glue to hold it in place.

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