Model Railroading in Arizona

[Gary R. Guth]

I'm planning a move to Arizona (Scottsdale area) and realized after 60 years in the midwest that houses there usually don't have nice dingy basements. Where do folks build their layouts?

[vsmith]

I'm in Southern California, similar situation, no frost = no basement.

Most people usually just dedicate a spare bedroom to their trains. Most larger homes have a "den" or "bonus room" or "family room" that was a carry over homes that didnt have a basement to finish as a rec room. I live in an older home and dont have any of these options so I am building my layout in the garage, but as it can get cold in the winter and very very hot in the summer i have to consider some alternatives like installing an AC unit in a wall somewhere, trying to patch up as many holes as i can in the building envelope, Possibly insulating the walls and ceiling and weathersealing the door.

Most garages in new homes are drywall finished already so building inside becomes alot easier, others in more rural use an older mobile homes as a train room if the property is large enough. this is a good choice as the entire thing can be brought in and parked in a day, usually has AC and heat already in it and is weathertight.

I have also seen prefab garden sheds converted to trainrooms but these often have to have power, AC and insulation and drywall added to make them tolerable in the summer months.

[Anonymous]

Here's a Tempe connection for you
Bill Nanney master atlas forum member.
[e-mail]

He has a 6 X 12 HO inside his garage, models BNSF, HO,

Chuck Walsh
Grand Rapids Michigan

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Gary R. Guth

I'm planning a move to Arizona (Scottsdale area) and realized after 60 years in the midwest that houses there usually don't have nice dingy basements. Where do folks build their layouts?

I've a friend who had that very dilemma after buying a house in the Houston area that lacked a basement, something he was accustomed to having before. Empty-nesters, he and his wife decided to knock out a wall between two bedrooms of their three bedroom house and--poof!--instant train room. I realize that not everyone may be able to avail themselves of this option but if you can, it's worthy of consideration. As for my buddy, he couldn't be happier.

[Anonymous]

Hi Gary,
I have a 20ft. camper in my back yard for a trainroom and workshop.
And yes, AC is a must.

[cacole]

Well, since you're moving to the Scottsdale area you will be near a group of model railroad clubs at McCormick Railroad Park. You don't say what scale you model, but the clubs at McCormick are HO and N. From what I have heard the HO group are rather snobbish and the N-scalers are a very friendly bunch. They also have a live steam club at the park.