Some of you may remember waaaaayyyy back to when I had originally proposed these modules for "Marlpost". Marlpost is a fictional, rural southern Ontario town set between the Wars (1919 to 1939).
I have recently modified the track plan, constructed the required modules, and come up with a plan on how to use them both at home and at club (<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.hotrak.ca">www.hotrak.ca</a><!-- w -->) set-ups. Thanks to those who gave me some input on how to install them at home in a secure, but temporary way (see <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=2359">viewtopic.php?f=46&t=2359</a><!-- l -->).
Here is another planning shot showing all the track, along with the final home configuration, and a number of ways that the modules can be combined at the club. There are many more configurations when you consider that they do not have to be joined at all, and that the two halves of Marlpost do not have to be used together.
[albumimg]2046[/albumimg]
Andrew
I've been thinking about you lately as I try to finalize my own layout plan, now moved to a better room with uninterrupted walls on two sides!
Congrats on your space! I would like to see what you have in mind...
My challenge (as noted in the other thread, I think) was that this room is unfortunately not a dedicated space, but instead must function as a workshop and storage space, in addition to the train-related activities (both layout and modelling space).
Andrew
Andrew, you obviously put alot of thought into the modules to allow so many different configurations. I like it alot!
One of the interesting aspects of this hobby (which makes Big Blue so valuable) is seeing all the different ideas of what a layout should be, and how that layout can be made to fit in the constraints of our various layout areas.
Thanks Gary.
Here's how the "benchwork" is turning out:
Overall look from the doorway:
[albumimg]2047[/albumimg]
Left end. This will have an additional 6-foot long module added on top of the shelves.
[albumimg]2048[/albumimg]
Right end. Another 6 footer will extend across the shelf and over my desk, which is out of the picture to the right.
[albumimg]2049[/albumimg]
Andrew
The support system is quite innovative. I like how the modules slide down on them. Very smart!
Andrew,
I do like the combination of storage shelves, and module supports.
With any luck, the modules will never "be used for storage", as far too many layouts have a tendency to become at times.
Great to see that you are getting things underway.
Keep us posted.
Guys,
Thanks for the kind words. I hope that the shelves underneath will negate the need for piling stuff on the top in this multi-purpose room. I tried for a dedicated space, but the planning board denied my application
And Will - yes it is good to finally have substantive progress just three short years after we moved in...
Andrew
Well, I have to make some adjustments to the benchwork. The design holds the modules far too tightly for any sort of "wiggle" room. Although the modules are constructed to a specific standard, small variations do creep in, and having some wiggle room is not a bad idea. So I will be moving the shelves out from the wall by about an inch or so. The modules will still be secure when bolted/clamped to each other.
On the plus side, a friend from the modular club donated some sky blue paint so I can cover that drab yellow drywall...!
Andrew
Nice to see you getting started on this, Andrew. My suggestion, before you go too much farther, is to install a suspended ceiling: the amount of detritus that filters down from the floor overhead is surprising, as you'll discover if you ever need to remove one of the ceiling panels.
It's also a good time to plan for some layout lighting. Even if you can't complete all of the work at once, it's best to plan (and budget) for these necessities before going too much further with the actual layout. While your modules are removeable, allowing access for this type of construction, many people put off this type of work and end-up never doing it, with the result that the layout isn't as pleasant to work on, or operate, as it could be.
Wayne
Hi Wayne,
Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, the reality of this "multipurpose" room precludes any major finishing for both bugetary and logistical (storage) reasons. However, I do plan to put in some 4' fluourescent fixtures I happen to have surplus from the bathroom renos. My application to install the modules in a completely finished area of the basement was denied...
I am counting on several factors when bypassing the drop ceiling - the house is older and debris from the ceiling has not been much of an issue, and the layout is modular/removable for maintenance and cleaning. Lastly, the ceiling over the layout is only 6'6" to start with, so lowering it any further is not a great idea. I may install plywood panels over the layout area (which will help with the lights too), but that would only drop the ceiling by 1/4" to 1/2"...
Andrew
So after much delay, the final support for the east end is in - thanks to a friend from the modular club.
Here are some not so good shots (cell phone camera) of the area under development.
West end:
[albumimg]2499[/albumimg]
Junction:
[albumimg]2498[/albumimg]
Newly installed East end
[albumimg]2497[/albumimg]
Now that it is up, I have to take it down
to repair the drywall in the corner and to paint the backdrop a simple blue (also donated by the same friend in February
)
Andrew
Today I took down the junction (corner) modules and the "east" end. I repaired the corner with some lightweight spackle and my "small radius tool' (i.e. thumb) so it's at least not a hard corner. I then painted three coats of sky blue in the corner and above the east end. Hopefully I can paint the west tomorrow...!
Andrew
I'm glad to see the progress, Andrew. Where are the pictures of the blue backdrop? 8-)
What is the flag up in the joists?