Danged Door!

[SpaceMouse]

I have a space that I plan to build a 11.5 x 11.5 x 6.5 quadrilateral. The 6.5 side being that danged door. Just on the other side of the door is my kid's 4 x 8 Hogwart's layout. Beyond that 4 x 8 is space that will become availible in two years or so. I can't ignore the door because it connects the basement to the garage and my wife parks there.

So how do I connect the two layouts and make it so I can continue to utilize the bigger space later.

Danged Door.

[Anonymous]

A tunnel through the wall next to the door, with a lift-out/swing-out section in front of the door so you can still use it?

[cwclark]

that's what i was thinking...a hole in the wall to connect them....

[rrinker]

Yup, a nice tunnel. And I have seen any number of articles that show how to build a moveable section directly attached to the door so the non-train people can simply open and close the door like normal without having to mve any sort of lift up or swinging section - keeps them happy. Just needs some sort of manual latch to secure the door while operating so someone doesn't unexpectedly open the door JUST as your favorite loco is crossing the bridge - electrical interlock that cuts track power when the door is opened won't save you from that one.
Oh yes, and per a recent thread on one of the Yahoo groups - make the tunnel the size of a standard electrical box. Should you move - a pair of blank wall plates screwed into place will close off the odd opening in the wall.

--Randy

[Leon Silverman]

You might consider replacing the swinging door with an accordian (sliding door) if the garage will no longer be used for a car. Otherwise, that door would have be s steel firedoor to meet code requirements.

[SpaceMouse]

Going into the wall only gets me into the garage and I have the same door to deal with. Besides it is a cinder block wall. In my construction days I've punched through but it is neither easy or pretty. I am considering a drop-in bridge. I'll think about it.