swapilot Loathar, It really has nothing to do with getting anything up and running in a hurry. If I build a frame, the boxes are out. The frame will take up the space that I do have and will force me to remove the boxes. That would not be good because the only reason I got that part of the room was because by putting 6 full boxes under the wood, I got them out of the way, and that was the one condition that had to be met before the boss (read my wife) would let me build a layout at all. Is it ideal, my heavens no. However, in this world of marital compromise/bliss, it is all that I have.
Loathar,
It really has nothing to do with getting anything up and running in a hurry. If I build a frame, the boxes are out. The frame will take up the space that I do have and will force me to remove the boxes. That would not be good because the only reason I got that part of the room was because by putting 6 full boxes under the wood, I got them out of the way, and that was the one condition that had to be met before the boss (read my wife) would let me build a layout at all. Is it ideal, my heavens no. However, in this world of marital compromise/bliss, it is all that I have.
Just build the frame work so the boxes fit under it. I've got a ton of crap stored under my layout. Those boxes will be in the way when you go to run all your wiring.
swapilotIf I build a frame, the boxes are out. The frame will take up the space that I do have and will force me to remove the boxes. That would not be good because the only reason I got that part of the room was because by putting 6 full boxes under the wood, I got them out of the way, and that was the one condition that had to be met before the boss (read my wife) would let me build a layout at all
You have the baseboard laying directly on top of boxes you may need to pull out occasionally ?
Why not just make the shelves wall mounted, and just put em high enough that you have plenty of room for storage below them?
As an added bonus once you start putting up shelves on the wall - you can get storage shelves above the layout, too. More storage for the Mrs (and/or for your train stuff). And at the same time you can mount lights for the layout on the underside of the top shelves
Smile, Stein
swapilotThe boxes, while not optimal, serve a purpose. They helped me "de clutter" the room/house, I just collect way too much stuff.
I suggest you build actual benchwork and store the boxes underneath it.
Building a layout on top of cardboard boxes is just asking for trouble. (And besides, how are you going to wire it?)
Based on your photos, you do have enough space to do this.
I also feel you need to find a way to satisfy the "wifey" about those boxes and do add some sort of benchwork. You will need at least 2 1/2" (1x3) for wiring and clearance for any sw motors. What is in those boxes? I hope that they're at least filled and not saving empties. If these boxes need access from time to time, just build the benchwork high enough to allow them to slide under. If the benchwork is wide enough to hide the box width, some sort of skirting can be used to hide them (velcroed on). The "Boss" would really like the look of that- She could even access any box w/o you lifting the layout and having to temp. support it just to get into a box. I would just claim the room and find alternate storage- I don't mind some confrontaion!!! Ya right like that may work....
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
The framework could be a simple box to mount the pressboard on and then set that on top of the boxes. That would provide some stability for the press wood and also hold the sections of the "L" together tight. The boxes can then be used for the legs or you could construct legs that are taller than the boxes and use the underside of the layout as 6 box storage. Just some thoughts.
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swapilot:
I applaud your effort to get started. I wish I had even as much room as you do. I'm sure you have your own idea of what you want in this layout, so I find it hard to make suggestions, but here goes.
I'd think about how you see your layout in operation, and decide if you really need that many staging tracks on the "right" leg of the L. You might want to put in a runaround or two in those tracks, if you want to do some switching and use them more than just a place to store trains. And I wouldn't take out any industries, I'd try to find a way to fit a couple in on the right leg. That would give you some "back and forth" switching action.
Just a few suggestions, you've got a good start. Good luck.
Rob in OKC
I know your anxious to get something up and running, but you really need to construct some type of frame and legs before you do any kind of permanent layout or scenery. Cheap 1x4's would work fine. That type of board will work fine if it's supported properly.
Tomkat-13,
Thanks for the pointer. Referencing my photo #3, maybe delete one industry at the far end of the photo and remove some tracks from the foreground so I can slide that industry left. What do you think? Again, thanks to everybody for the help so far.
Nice start........You might want to remove about 1/3 of the track to give you more room for scenery & give you more main line. I have my layout on hollow core doors & will go on 2 walls in a "L".
Thanks for the inputs. The boxes, while not optimal, serve a purpose. They helped me "de clutter" the room/house, I just collect way too much stuff. I hear the concern about the boards. I've had those boards for about 12 years now, and I have used them on all my "aborted" layouts and they have been a problem yet. They are actually boards used to make book shelves. The boards are 8' long by 2' wide so the "L" is 10' x 8' x 2'. Bumpers will be added later. Again, thanks for the help and please keep the comments coming.
Looks like a good start. +1 on getting a more stable support system. The sawdust board is less than optimal, it will move around with changes in moisture. I used a cheap hollow-core door under my yard.
Make sure you put some sort of bumper on the ends of the tracks. Even a drywall screw will work.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com
Well so far so good. If you dont mind I would like to use afew of your ideas on a layout I am trying to build. What is your dimmentions? You may want to consider some real benchwork over boxes. The pressboard you are using works OK but any moisture on it (including humidity) will cause it to warp. This will cause you trackage problems later. Also for a more realistic appearance consider using cork or foam roadbed. Keep up the good work.
Massey
OK, after 20 plus years of starting and stopping, I am tired of starting and stopping. Here are some photos of my new layout which is in its initial stages, and I do mean initial stages. Is it my dream layout, no! But it will be the dream layout for the only space that I have available - the corner of a spare room. Right now I am just making sure the track work and structures actually work/fit together. Any comments/help would be greatly appreciated. Please, just be nice and teach me how to do it corectly.
Cheers,
Craig