Layout in a shipping container? Scrap that idea, I'm building a switching layout instead.

[NZRMac]

We decided that it's not worth the effort of the container, I'm allowed a wee corner of the living room for a switching layout (warm dry and I'm handy for baby duty).
By the time the container idea was working we will probably be in a home to call our own.

Ken.

We are doing a bit of moving over the next few years, renovating homes and hopefully selling them for a profit[8D]
I want to get re-started on a layout that is easier to move than the monstrosity I have built.
So, has anybody built one in a shipping container? I should have about 19'x7' and 7.5' high in a 20' long container.

I plan to fully line, insulate and build a pitched roof.

Any thoughts?

Ken.

[Anonymous]

Hi Ken No I have never build a layout in a container but were I work we use them a lot for storage the problem I see 1. the the Heat in them is unreal in the summer 2. the doors are heavy and tend to stick 3.the lay out depending on the scale HO at the max could only be 24in wide and the curves would be tight
I do not know the price on the containers but a nice barn might be a better idea more room for a work area and more flexable good luck

[NZRMac]

I was thinking of a round the walls track plan, about 24" wide for easy reach. Possibly a helix in one cnr and two or three levels. The heat issue would be ok, insulated and I'd remove the metal doors and fit a aluminuim slider or single door hinged.



Like this but without the metal doors.

Ken.

[soumodeler]

I have heard of it being done before, though I do not know if it worked out very well.

soumodeler
-----------------
The Southern Serves the South!

[retsignalmtr]

you could even move it on a double stack container train. i've seen offices in containers with windows and a hole in the wall for an ac unit. it might be a good layout room for n scale. for security i would leave the steel doors on and install a sliding door just inside the steel ones with a screened section for ventilation. when not in transit leave the steel doors open and lock the slider.

[NZRMac]

I think I've considered all the pros and cons. It will be warmer, dryer and alot less dusty than the garage.
I can still have 30" radius turns, and a 30" helix and possibly three levels.
If the benchwork is only 24" wide I still have a 3' isle down the middle. I could have a 2' peninsula half way along if I kept the opposite side 6-12".

The container will be on-site for a year or so before moving, and then it's only around the neighbourhood on a truck.
Security is no different to the garage now (sometimes I forget to lock it!!)


I think it might work?
Ken.

[NZRMac]

I'd seriously like some input from the other 'pros' on this forum.[:I]

Have I got it completely wrong and just wait till we find a layout room with a home attached to call our own, or is it a good idea.

I'd need 5' for a helix and that would leave 11-12' for a straight section, for a double ended yard, before turning at the end and going along the other side wall, either back to the helix or loop. Liftouts/gates would be a must across the doorway.

The top level could be just mountainous area for railfanning or a coal mine. middle level would be yards, town etc and bottom could be staging, storage

Thanks Ken.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a good idea. Im kind of curious as to how much a 20' container costs. A layout in a 48' container would be really something!

[Anonymous]

i was thinking of something like this

how about a office traller like the ones on constuction sites there moble can be pulled by a bigger pickup truck alredy have ac and heat and windows

[Anonymous]

If I understand how these things work, don't you rent these? Would you be permited to modify a rented unit by attaching the layout to the wall, bringing in power, blocking or adding windows? If you bought the unit would the company still move it for you? Climate control may not be an issue in Christchurch but in the Midwest of the USA there would only be three or four months of the year you could comfortably make use of it without some heat or A/C. Half of that time rain would be an issue if the one end was wide open the the elements. Work space would be cramped and you best not be claustrophobic. Are there zoning restrictions that would keep you from having this sit in the yard at the current home or any future home?

Now that I have bashed the idea enough let me say I don't think any of that can't be overcome. There are small furnaces and A/C units for recreationational vehicles that could be adapted. Foam sheets could double as insulation and backboards. A power hookup like for an RV should be able to supply enough power for lights, trains and cooling.

For me being confined in the little box would be a real problem.

[Anonymous]

A very interesting prospect which has two very good features. It would be extremely secure and if you move house a lot this is the ideal solution for moving the layout.

As for the type of layout how about one big helix? an 'around-the-wall' helix where the tracks rise about 12" for each trip around the container.
Something like this:
http://home.swbell.net/gary46/Room-Overview.html
There's not many people with a layout that measures 350 feet by 13 inches [:D]

You might have a little trouble actually getting in the container but I'm sure that could be overcome somehow.

[NZRMac]

I can buy a container for $2500 NZ plus tax 12.5% a B grade (surface rust). and I guess conversion, lining, roof etc would be about the same.

I'm in the electrical trade so the powers not a problem, the council zoning should be fine as long as it's not permanent structure.

Thanks for the ideas everyone I'll have to sleep on it

Ken.

[knewsom]

Ken,

I think it would work. I like the idea of an around the walls helix, but you would need to have at least one duckunder at the end with the doors. I think you could have a very nice point to point if you had 3 levels. Seeing what you did in the 6 months of your last layout I know that you can make it work. I will try to send you some ideas for a track plan on email.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NZRMac... the council zoning should be fine as long as it's not permanent structure.

You could always bury it in the ground like a bunker and have access through a hatch in the roof. [wow]

[NZRMac]

mmmm? my brother in law has a twenty ton digger I wonder where the keys are?

Ken.

[Anonymous]

Ken - what happened to your layout shown on your railimages account?

[scubaterry]

I have a switching layout myself incorporated into my layout. I did it the easy way and copied the Urban Railroad switching layout by John Pryke in the Aug - Dec 2000 MR. It is an L shape with eleven industry spurs and lots of switching. I eliminated the inside curve of buildings and replaced it with a two line main to incorporate it into the layout. It was easy to build and it provides hours of switching fun for me. Just an idea to consider. Good luck.
Terry

[NZRMac]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CARRfan

Ken - what happened to your layout shown on your railimages account?

That layout is in the garage, we have really damp winters here and it's hopeless trying to use it. Were not here permanantly so I'm not going to line the garage.

I'll scrap that layout and build a new one when we find a nice home.

Ken.

[NZRMac]

QUOTE: Originally posted by scubaterry

I Urban Railroad switching layout by John Pryke in the Aug - Dec 2000 MR. It is an L shape with eleven industry spurs and lots of switching.
Terry

Would you have a copy on hand so I could take a look, sounds perfect for my L shaped cnr.

Ken.

[Anonymous]

Containers have to meet a condition standard for commercial use. Once they no longer meet the standard, or are damaged, they are sold. I bought a 40' container that had been damaged on one end for $400.00. I cut the damaged end off, framed the end, and covered with alumium siding. Ended up with a 35' container with a 5' porch. Made a great workshop.

[scubaterry]

NZRMac, I ordered the back issues of MR to get the complete article on it. It was a four part article starting in Sept of 2000. I was going to send you a scanned copy of the layout diagram but my scanner/printer is not working for some reason. If I can get it working in the next couple of days I will send a copy of the design for you. If you decide order the back magazines all you really need is the 1st issue it tells how to build the frame (which you probably don't need) and gives a good track layout diagram. Now that I look at the mag the proper title is the "Boston's Union Freight railroad" September 2000. Hope this helps.
Terry