The table where you place your model locomotive layout can make a huge difference as well.  I hear you, you like those little N scale locomotives so it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. Everything is so small in N gauge that it just doesn’t appear like you need all that sturdy a surface for it.  But hold on.  Give me a chance to set out my point.  I think it makes a huge difference what type of table you have your set up on.  Here are some reasons why:

A strong surface is a must:

To begin, you don’t want to choose a surface that is weak and that will lean or that can be easily pushed down. You don’t need your trains to withstand a the “Big One” but they shouldn’t derail when the mail truck shakes by outside.  Or even worse: what if your whole surface is shoved on its side. Think about the possible damage and the labor you just trashed!  No, you definitely are advised to find a nice sturdy surface. You’re proficient with your hands, you could possibly make the table yourself.

Cool Tip: Here’s a cool tip. Remember that unused ping-pong table that sits forgotten in the garage? Sure you do, it’s the ping pong table that became your new model locomotive table. Ping pong tables give you lots of room for any but the highest gauge lay outs.  Imagine how complicated you could make your HO track plan on a table of these measurements.  Even if you have a Lionel O or one of those new S scale trains, you’ll find that you can really do a lot with a table this size.

Portable tables for travel:

Look to shell out a bit for a good train table. There are a few different on line retailers that devote themselves to hocking these types of train tables that are sturdy but light weight and easily portable.

Cool tip #2: Use ceiling space instead of floor space.  If you’re good with your hands and pressed for space, the best way to increase floor space is not to use it.   Attach your table to the ceiling with a pulley system and your problem is overcome.

Interlocking tables:

Domino tables are you best bet. These tables can be fastened in any arrangement or setup. These domino tables frees your track layout to expand naturally.  Unlike other types of tables that force you to change your layout to match their shapes, these tables allow you to control the dimensions of your circuit design. The light weight design is ideal for model train lovers.  If you want to play with your model train down in the basement, you can simply carry the table down to your work area. Its even no problem to place in your car trunk.  They are so easy to alter that you might actually have difficulty keeping to one layout.

And these tables can mature with your model training experience allowing you extend your table design in conjunction with your expanding toy railroad layout.

Here is more information on N Scale Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.