Display Bases

[stationmaster]

I've been giving thought to starting to build display bases for HO trains. I would make them to custom lengths, with cork sub-base and Atlas Code 100 track, ballasted and weathered. I could, also try to get a small engraved plaque to ID your pride and joy.

Just feeling things out right now to see if there is any market for such a product. Wood could be of your choosing, walnut, maple, oak, cherry...maybe even some old barn wood for those old steam engines. I would need to check out availability and cost of the plaque. If there is a market for other scales, I will look into building those also.

Until I get some idea of just how many I can sell, I wouldn't have pricing. Lengths could be custom just for your train.

[tworail]

Sounds like a good plan. :thumbsup:

If I were to get any for HO scale though, I would request code 83 track.. looks more realistic for display purposes.

[stationmaster]

That would not pose any problems. As I said, each will be made to the buyer's specifications. I could also make bases or G-scale, O gauge, S-scale, N-scale also. I was just using HO as that is what I have. I would like to be able to provide plexiglass covers, but have now way to fabricate them. Trackage is the least of my worries. if you want code 83, that's what you will get. The track will be ballasted and weathered, if that is what you want.

As I said, each would be made so that whatever the customer wanted to place on display, whether it be a Big Boy or a Hustler, the display base would be of adequate size. I have been investigating brass plates for engraving but have yet to find the equipment to make them. The wood would be the customers' choice, if I have it available. Just don't ask for ironwood. That stuff is too hard to work with, dulls blades and router bits too quickly.

[Southern]

[QUOTE=stationmaster;6566]I've been giving thought to starting to build display bases for HO trains. I would make them to custom lengths, with cork sub-base and Atlas Code 100 track, ballasted and weathered. I could, also try to get a small engraved plaque to ID your pride and joy.
QUOTE]

Something like this?

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=161&stc=1&d=1230836722

I have not had that loco out of it's box in some time. It needs a good cleaning. The track is not ballasted and weathered. That something that needs to bedone. I would like to have a glass case for it.

[stationmaster]

Yes, I could get fancier with the edge. The engraved plaque may be a poblem. I guess I could farm that out, but it would add to the expense.

[Chiefmcfuz]

What about the hang on wall types? Are they easy to make?

[stationmaster]

Adding buttresses under the shelve would allow yo to hang it on the wall. Like a knick knack shelf at the local craft shop.

[Boston&Maine]

If I had any locomotives worth displaying I would be all over this... Maybe you could make me one for the O scale UP Big Boy I WILL own at some point down the road, LOL ;)