In the process of scrach building a locomotive repair shop. I will have a lot of detail in it and wondering about a clear roof, with a few roof details (ventalation or AC type units) mounted on top of it so it will be easy to hold on to it while lifting it off. Gotta keep the grandkids out of it LOL.
To me putting a lot of time and effort with detailing it, kinda hate to cover it up with a roof, but want the interior secured and hate dust. Really leaning toward doing it but havent heard of anyone doing this.
The shop is 22 x 16 ( three tracks)with two elevated service tracks and another with a drop pit. A two more tracks will be in the traction motor, wheel shop where the drop pit elevator tunnel lifts the wheel sets up in front of my wheel lathe service tracks. Also have enought room for forklits to operat in, will be a bit tight. HO and N scale overhead crains. In the process of building the drop pit tunnel and will be a while before I build the walls.
Give me your thoughts....John
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As far as removal goes, it doesn't matter if it's clear or painted. Why not make two roofs (one clear and one painted) so you can look realistic when operating and when the viewers are over, use the clear roof.
Ron K.
John,
I like Ron's idea of having a clear roof for guests. Another idea might be to have part of your roof detachable so that you can "open it up" when your guests come over. I normally make one side of my roofs fixed and the other detachable, so as to have access to the interior when a light bulb burns out.
However, the one thing about plexiglas or acrylic, it will degrade over time and turn yellow - especially if used with flourescent lighting. A real piece of glass would both look better and be easier to keep clean. All you would need is the ability to cut it to the appropriate size. Strips of styrene affixed to the glass horizonally with silicone adhesive (RTV) would keep the glass from sliding off an angled roof. Glass also has a nice weight to it, too.
My ...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi John
Its your railroad. How many people are going to see it? Just haveing a removeable roof would be good if just you and family will see it. If its a realy modern engine house how about lots of sky lights? Some lattice framework and tin roof with lots of windows(some in the open position) would look great.
Just a thought
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
tstage wrote: John,I like Ron's idea of having a clear roof for guests. Another idea might be to have part of your roof detachable so that you can "open it up" when your guests come over. I normally make one side of my roofs fixed and the other detachable, so as to have access to the interior when a light bulb burns out.However, the one thing about plexiglas or acrylic, it will degrade over time and turn yellow - especially if used with flourescent lighting. A real piece of glass would both look better and be easier to keep clean. All you would need is the ability to cut it to the appropriate size. Strips of styrene affixed to the glass horizonally with silicone adhesive (RTV) would keep the glass from sliding off an angled roof. Glass also has a nice weight to it, too.My ...Tom
Lexan would be a good choice. It is the most durable and cuts and machines far better than Plexi or acrylic. The thinnest I've used is 1/8", not sure how thin it comes.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Wow..Thanks... now I will think over all the above. The two roof idea sounds pretty cool as im intendending a arc welder flashing gizzmo, Any how heres a quick shot of a mock up of it. Two pits or right are the elevated ones. Drop pit will be under the front of the GP9 about at the front of the fuel tank. The other end of the pit will be about where the wheel sets are.
Where the four tracks cross will be in the wheel shop will be circular turning devices, all tracks lead to doors. The wood block at upper left will be a tread lathe and is just roughted out.
Of course the stuff in the elevated area to hold things giving you an idea of what Im attempting to do. No the concreat loading dock will not be in the elevated wheel area. Will make new service ramp and will save the stairs for them. Will have engine walkway ramp on the right wall and another in the middle of the two track.
lots of room for a fork lift moving parts around
May use n scale track as I have a lot leftover when I built some bridges.
Anyhow..hats off to you guys, Thanks again...John
I like the skylights idea. Also, large side windows let people see in. The trick is to provide enough interior lighting.
By the way, you linked in the thumbnail of your photo:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/thumbs/100_2249.jpg
If you link it in like this: http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/100_2249.jpg,
with the image tags, then people can really see it:
And it's even bigger if you click on it.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.