Steamtrains' 2010 Summer structure challenge entry

[doctorwayne]

Were it up to me, I'd make the doors operable - you may not open and close them much when you're operating the trains, but it's a nice option to have for photo-taking purposes. For the double-sided board detail, plank-by-plank is the way to go. An easy way to hinge them is to simply use a short length of wire it the lintel and a corresponding one in the sill, embedding the wire in the top and bottom edges of the doors, although for wooden construction, you'll likely have to add the sill and its wire after the door is in place. Another alternative is to bend the wires into "L"s, then insert them into the door jambs, at the top and bottom, with the "leg" of the L sticking down and up, respectively. If you use this option, the hinge wires can be installed in the doors, then the door assemblies into the door openings. For the "L"-shaped hinge wires, use music wire to prevent the door from sagging through continued use. For styrene construction, you could probably install the hinge wires in the door jambs, then flex the door to install it. Add Grandt Line or similar hinge detail and you're set to go.
I often use the operating feature for photos, although I can't find any pictures with the doors closed.




EDIT: not the best view, but here's one with the doors closed :


Wayne