For planning purposes, it might be useful to know that standard American doors, and particularly interior doors, are 80 inches high. Also, interior doors are usually 1 3/8 inches thick; and exterior doors are usually 1 3/4 inches thick, if that makes a difference to anyone.
Bob Nelson
dsmith I haven't met a modeler yet (including myself) who didn't lust after more engines, more equipment, more track or a bigger layout. My opinion is that every train enthusiast should try and be content with what they have at this point in time. I have tried to design an 027 layout in a 5' x 9' space with enough action to keep me interested. Recently I added a 2' x 5' addition. Sure, I 'd like a bigger layout someday but I'm certainly happy with what I have right now. It's OK to dream big but it's also important to live happily in the present.
I haven't met a modeler yet (including myself) who didn't lust after more engines, more equipment, more track or a bigger layout. My opinion is that every train enthusiast should try and be content with what they have at this point in time. I have tried to design an 027 layout in a 5' x 9' space with enough action to keep me interested. Recently I added a 2' x 5' addition. Sure, I 'd like a bigger layout someday but I'm certainly happy with what I have right now. It's OK to dream big but it's also important to live happily in the present.
If you like Dave's layout photos, you'll love his video. I never tire of watching it. Jack
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
dsmith
Hello Dave:
I am impressed with what you have done in a 5' X 9' space. looks GREAT! I looked at the picture here and your video, and can't figure out how you get to the back corner to service the layout. The layout doesn't look spaced from the wall. Is it?
Patrick L.
RFD-TV --- Rural America's most important network!
Hi Patrick,
You are right, the layout does sit against the wall and it is impossible to get to the back of it, so here's what I did. The base is made from inexpensive particle board, it's 40" high and 4' x 8' with a 2x4 bolted across the open front. The 5' x 9' layout frame is made from 1/2" thick 1 x 4 plywood with a 1/2" plywood top. The base is set up permanently in one position and is about a foot from the back wall. The layout sits on top of the base without being attached. Grab hold of the front edge of the layout and it can easily be moved out a foot. This gives just enough room to squeeze behind and work on the layout. The sky backdrop and background buildings are attached to the wall so you don't have to reach over them when you are behind the layout. Under the layout I use plastic bins for storage (14 bins) and I purchased finished plywood paneling to cover the edges of the layout and as a cover for the storage area. The front cover of the storage area has 1 x 2 pine boards for support and magnetic door catches to hold it in place. On one end I built 1/2" MDF shelves 3 1/4" deep and 5" between shelves to display some of the freight cars.
Good Morning dsmith:
Thanks for the detailed description. All I can say is CLEVER! You solved the age old problem of servicing a corner layout, and easily too.
Patrick L
Like David's my layout is in a corner and to solve the access issues I built my layout on rollers and the whole thing easily rolls away from the wall
Jim
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