Getting Sweethome ready to exhibit

Jon Grant Apr 1, 2010

  1. Jon Grant

    Jon Grant TrainBoard Member

    2,040
    1,020
    36
    Since I am taking the layout to a model railway/railroad exhibition this easter, I thought I'd do a photographic essay showing how I get the layout ready to travel.

    When I designed Sweethome, I built in a number of features specifically intended to erect and dismantle the layout quickly and efficiently, and to transport everything with minimal risk of damage. For speed, I permanently attach as much scenery and detailling as possible, so I don't have to stand up figures, plant trees and other items when I arrive at a show.

    A big timesaver was to construct stock boxes to carry all the freight cars and locos safely, rather than spend hours packing each item into its original box. As well as being a timesaver, this is also a big space saver.

    On to the dismantling.

    The first thing is to remove the curtain from around the layout.

    [​IMG]


    Next I take down the light/fascia assembly and the metal brackets.

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    The home-made electrical multi-pin connectors are removed and packed away so they arent left behind.

    [​IMG]



    continued...


    Jon
     
  2. Jon Grant

    Jon Grant TrainBoard Member

    2,040
    1,020
    36
    Once the connections are removed, I shift the 'nebby' (curious) cat.

    [​IMG]


    and pack the freight cars away into their stock boxes, made by fitting dividers into box files and lining with foam. I use different coloured boxes for each type of freight car to make packing easier and store the car card/waybill with the car.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]



    Continued...

    Jon
     
  3. Jon Grant

    Jon Grant TrainBoard Member

    2,040
    1,020
    36
    Now the stock is packed, I remove the 2 end scenic dividers

    [​IMG]


    I then remove the coach bolts and wingnuts to separate the boards

    [​IMG]


    I attach carrying spacers to one end of each of the 8 boards - I fixed a carpet tile to each face of the divider to protect the rail ends on the layout.

    [​IMG]


    I then pair up the boards and bolt them together to form a box. Each layout backscene forms a protective side to the 'box'. I pin a piece of packing foam to the top of the backscene to prevent damage to the sky from rubbing.

    [​IMG]


    Continued..

    Jon
     
  4. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

    13,326
    499
    149
    I would call this "ingenious" just for starters. It still appears like a big job.
     
  5. Jon Grant

    Jon Grant TrainBoard Member

    2,040
    1,020
    36
    Once the layout is boxed up I usually have to banish another pesky cat.

    [​IMG]


    Then I do a check of the area to make sure I havent forgotten anything. The metal frame that the layout rests on at home is left behind - The layout has its own trestle legs for exhibitions, but the ceiling is too low for me to use them at home.

    [​IMG]


    Finally the layout is ready to go.

    [​IMG]


    I'll post some photos from the show after I get home on Sunday.

    Jon
     
  6. Train Kid

    Train Kid TrainBoard Member

    798
    3
    21
    WOW a lot of work to pack that layout around. Nice job. Should be a lot of fun (minus the extra work :D)
     
  7. BedfordRob

    BedfordRob TrainBoard Supporter

    211
    12
    14
    I'd second that, very ingenious. Ever taken a cat to an exhibition by mistake?
     
  8. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

    16,680
    130
    184
    :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool:​
     
  9. jnevis

    jnevis TrainBoard Supporter

    467
    70
    11
    BRILIANT!!
    I have thought about how I would build, transport, and store an NTAK module at my house and you have just inspired me!!
     
  10. Train Kid

    Train Kid TrainBoard Member

    798
    3
    21
    Oh i forgot. The cat makes the entire project perfect! :lightning:
     
  11. GeorgeV

    GeorgeV TrainBoard Member

    180
    91
    20
    Jon,
    That is one aristocratic feline! Does he (or she?) meow with an Oxford accent?

    George V.
     
  12. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

    10,534
    707
    129
    Aristo"cat"ic he may be, but IMO he's HUGE. Reminds me of our cat Sweetie (who, thanks to 175 miles of distance, no longer has access to my layout).

    Have either of these critters done any damage to your layout?
     
  13. stewarttrains98

    stewarttrains98 TrainBoard Member

    880
    0
    18
    now thats what i call portable. Seems like it was very well planned from the get go. Great job.
     

Share This Page