We're finally in our new home and I'm getting ready to finalize my trackplan for the N scale Maple Leaf Central. I'm going to go with an "L" shaped plan and had never really considered making the sides not symetrical untill today. I'm thinking that I can get about 6 feet on one side and almost 15 feet on the other. The benchwork wouldn't be more that 3 feet deep except at the ends for the turn arounds. I'm modelling farmland and some rolling hills, so this would be a real boost in the scenery even though it'll only be wheatfields. The catch is I'm trying to sell my better half on the thought of putting shelving and drawers underneath the layout so there's a bookshelf running the length of the layout giving it a "finished look" and giving me the extra 9 feet. Have any of you guys done underneath shelving or bookcases with your layouts? I'm guessing I'd need to do the shelving and stuff under the layout before I proceed to track laying. I'm not much of a woodworker, but if this will gain me the extra footage, I'll get it done and done right. If you've done something like this and have some photos, please post them. They may help me argue the case for the extra space.
The shelving below the layout sounds like a great idea. Even a single shelf will help to make the benchwork more stand alone solid. Is this going to abut against a wall or will it be walk around ? Extra Storage is always GOOD !
I'll definately be putting it along the wall. I hope to be posting a trackplan soon for everyone's advice. Thanks for the info.
Consider "armpit clearance" - Depending on layout height, 3 feet might be a bit deep to reach comfortably without snagging details or derailing trains at the front of the layout. In my planning (i.e., cheap with no commitment <G>), I try to limit benchwork depth to 2 ft except for the end "blobs". BTW, bookcases are a great idea. Gotta store all those RR mags and spare rolling stock somewhere!
A small 8 inch footstool will also help make the 3' reach to the back if neccessary during construction.
Thanks for the ideas guys. I'm 6'8" and have 38" arms, so reach more than likely won't be a problem. I'm just working on settling on a reasonable layout height right now. What seems normal to a guy my size would make most people have to use a stool.
I'm 5'6"/32", so "armpit clearance" is always an issue.:tb-wacky: If you need someone to work under your layout though, give me a call!
I stand 6'6" and have set my personal standard base table top height at 58". That leaves 54" clearance for me to work comfortably underneath. Also, the bookshelf idea is great. I've done this with my last few layouts, including a lighted display case for my sci fi weapons collection (don't ask - a long story and a phase I'm over with now). Vic
In looking for an answer to my original question I have found out one thing--Cabinets are EXPENSIVE!! For me to do this would require a substantial investment of at least 1200 to 1600.00 just in benchwork under the layout. I thought this semmed like a good idea to start with, but I'm not so sure now that this is the right way to go. That's alot of locos/scenery/cars. The traditional "skirt" idea is looking more appealing now that I've done more research.
It all depends on how fancy (read: expensive) of shelves you want to go with. I built my shelves out of 1 x 12 pine, stained them, and they looked like they cost a great deal more than they did. You can also buy pre finished shelves and unfinished drawers if you'd rather go that route. I guess the handier you are with woodworking the less the expense. However, if you have the skills to build bench work it shouldn't be that difficult to throw together a nice looking bookshelf. Vic
Why not just use a simple IKEA-esque bookcase under the layout. Can add the bookcase (and doors for dust free protection) in stages as your budget permits. I had thought of using some of the Billy series under a shelf layout - the smallest seems to be 41 3/4" tall. IKEA | Bookcases | BILLY system | BILLY | Bookcase
I've been kicking this around a bit more and came up with what I think may be a solution. If I build the benchwork with 1x4's, I can come up with a relatively inexpensive structure. Inseat of using cabinets, a friend of mine suggested panneling. I can run a support board mid way on the legs all the way around the front and that would reinforce the panneling. Where I want the bookshelfs (two of them about 3 feet long each) I'll just cut a rectangle into the benchwork and where I want the doors for storage (only two of them), I'll make an opening and buy a couple of cabinet doors that match the panneling. I don't know if that's clear to anyone but me, but I think it may work. I'll then buy some more finishing wood to make the facia around the layout and I think I'll be set. I'm going to use foam insulation on a wood base for the layout top where I'm mounting the tracks. Thanks for all the input from you guys. I'll make sure I get photos posted when I start getting things done in the next couple of months.
Vic - NEVER be ashamed of you multi-hobby addiction. Remind me to tell you about my FIRST (and worst) custom paint job on an HO-scale FP-45. One hint: the Number Board was 1701.
Mad Yank - Please tell me you did a "NCC 1701" pain(t) job on a loco. Any pcitures you can share? What a great! idea. Did you give it nacelles?
Ron,,, sounds to me like you need a carpenter,wait, oh that's me.LOL. Just ask rossford yard about my mad wood skills!!! You could use 3/4" plywood,, rip some for benchwork,,,use some for cabinets. Idea,, just take a router, with the right bit you can mill a groove to insert the shelves into, all the while using the same 3/4" ply for your sides. Drop me a line,,, I might be able to come up there and help ya out. Adios Wyatt
That's an interesting idea. I'm kicking things aound, but I'll keep that option in mind. Thanks for the offer on the help also. My woodworking skills leave alot to be desired. I think I'm the only one that when I use my "Skil Saw" to cut wood, it's actually an "Un-Skilled saw". Heck, I can even cut a crooked line with a miter box. I guess if you're gonna be bad at something, you should be good at it. Just like Ricky Bobby Says "If you're not first, you're last".
