Closet Maid Shelving

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I wanted to describe the first phase of my layout construction over the weekend but realize it will be too long to put in one post so I’ll break it up over the next several weeks.

BTW, I am going to call the inspector today to ask if I can proceed with the layout construction across the window using large chunks of foam.

Closet Maid is a sheet metal L-shaped shelving sold at Home Depot. I went there expecting to spend about $50. Instead, I spent nearly $300 for 25 feet worth of layout; each bracket attached to a stud 16 inches on center.

The advantage of using metal L-shaped shelving over the Westcott method of triangular wood wall shelving (also attached to studs), is that you have complete clearance under the wall shelving to either work or to place an additional shelf layout (the latter option I will do in the future).

There are other types of metal shelving avail at Home Depot. I chose Closet Maid because it is double-thick.

I also purchased single-thick shelving that appears to be aluminum. It is much cheaper but also less sturdy. I’m going to place that on the studs inside the HVAC room in order to construct a helix around the entire HVAC system.

I’ll keep you posted in ad nauseum details as construction progresses.

David Vergun

2

David:

Stupid question:

It sounds like the helix is going to surround your HVAC system. If the helix is going to surround the system, how is the HVAC guy going to get to it for maintenance / repairs?

Tony

3

Tony,

  1. That aspect is definitely not going in until after the inspection

  2. I’m designing the helix so that the wood sections are removable. There is one side where there are no studs so I’m going to hang studs down from the ceiling joists, but will use hinges on them so they can be folded up and out of the way.

It will be a helix like no one has ever seen before or since. The helix will serve a dual purpose of being a return loop, so portions will be double-tracked. I may also use it for staging trains.

4

David:

I had a feeling you were going to hinge it!

Good luck with it! What’s the diameter going to be?

Tony

5

About 7 feet but it will be in the shape of a wobbly circle, due to the various heating elements that comprise the HVAC. I designed the HVAC room so that there is just enough space to walk completely around it and, of course, to install a huge refrigerator with a large quantity of beer and other beverages in case I work up a thirst. Dog biscuits for the beagle are there as well.