ok for thoughs of you that have limited space avalible 2 build a layout and would like a bigger layout here is a idea, you could rent a self storage unit and make that the place where you have your layout[:D] just thought i would help the people out who did not have a lot of space for a layout. Tim
Odd you should post this today, because the thought crossed my mind yesterday. There MUST be drawbacks, as I’ve not heard of anyone doing it. Too hot or cold or humid for lack of climate control would be one thought. Access only during limited hours? No wall outlet? Has anyone actually looked into this?
just a suggestian!! Tim
There are climate controlled rental units. But for what you’d pay in rent, it would be better to put a climate controlled portable metal building in the yard. Or a small RV with the insides removed.
Also, modular modelers go railroading with no space at all. They all meet “someplace” and set up the layout, run trains a while, then tear it all down. You would need a shop someplace to build your modules…and then the group needs to schedule a “get together” at some public function and set up the layout for the public to see and for them to run trains. I’ve considered doing modular pieces, but felt it was some what limiting myself…but others do enjoy this facet of RR modeling.
Modular is nice, but just about anyone has room for at least a shelf layout or other micro layout–even six feet of shelf layout can be a lot of fun, and if you’re just getting into the hobby there is no better way to learn basic skills. They’re also cheaper (good for a college-student budget, for example) and faster to finish (good for a short attention span) and they can be expanded into part of a larger layout later.
N scalers can build a 2x4 or 30"x5’ layout that can easily slide under a bed or into a closet, but can use track plans similar to HO scale 4x8 layouts. HO scalers pretty much have a drop-dead minimum size of about 3x4 feet for a dinky 15" radius loop with a couple of switches that won’t run modern equipment, but that 12 scale feet, translated into two 6’ wide by 1’ deep modules, can give you a decent-sized yard and an industrial area that will give you a taste of modeling and operation, as well as being a lot more like real railroading than a loop of track–plus, a long shelf layout (with #6 switches) can run the longest, biggest equipment without worrying about turning radii!
Sounds like an interesting idea. However, you may want to carefully read the lease before you sign it to be sure there are no clauses restricting what you can do/put in the storage unit.
Joe0135 makes a good point. Since these units are intended for storage, you probably won’t have much access to power outlets.
Hi all
My thoughts on this.
Are live with the limited space and save up for a suitable shed to put at home.
Put in the necessary creature comforts.
It will add value to your property real estate agents will call it the US equivalent to a games room.
You will only be restricted by the local council building laws but free to equip and set it up as you please.
More important from my perspective you are not shelling out money to pay some one else’s bills
regards John
Hey guys this idea weas not for me it was for people who did not have a lot of space avalioiable for there railroad.!!! Tim
We just rented a 10 x 10 ft storage space to put my daughter’s stuff while she moves out of state and finds a place to live. It costs $49 per month, not climate controlled. There’s a regular light bulb in the ceiling where, I guess, you could put in a screw-in outlet. This would be probably enough to run a train, but an electric space heater may pop the circuit breakers. The lease doesn’t seem to restrict anything except for hazardous materials. However, they did ask what I was going to put in it when I inquired about renting it.
I’m not sure how viable this might be for a model RR. $49 per month adds up. We are just going to have ours for 2 or 3 months (plus my daughter is paying for it).
I think this is a very valid idea for people living in areas where the cost of real estate is very high. All the comments about putting up a shed instead don’t realize that in some parts of the country land is extremely expensive. I live in suburban NY and an empty lot runs $500K. You’re best bet would probably be to find someplace that has a local owner (versus a chain) since you might be able to negotiate something. Given all the costs of the hobby, $50 a month is not that bad.
Problem is the cost of a storage unit is higher when real estate is costly. Here in Northern Va. I was renting a 10x10 last year for $140 a month, no climate control. You pay that every month, even when it is too hot or cold to work on or run the layout
If you have no space for a layout, I suggest you try to do double duty where you do live. For example get one of those tables that is dining room table on top, but when you lift off the top it’s a game table. Take out the the bumpers and build an N scale layout there.
Enjoy
Paul
You would also have to find out what “climate controlled” means. In some storage places climate controlled means they won’t let the temp get out of a certain range. A place I know of here, that advertises climate controlled, says they won’t let the inside temp get below 40F in the winter or above 95F in the summer. Not what I’d call “climate controlled”.
It just seems like a lot of work and hassle…if you have the means, why not move to a place that is larger to facilitate a larger railroad? If you live in, say, a 1 bedroom apartment, is the price difference between a 1br and a 2br much more than a storage unit? Factor in the benefits of 24 hour access, convenience, power and climate control, and if you really consider a large layout that important, it will probably be within the realm of affordability.
A double-duty space, such as a small layout in a dining room table or on top of some bookshelves, is a good idea too. Remember, there’s no reason that a small layout has to STAY small…
Paul
I used to live in N. Virginia so I know what you are talking about. I think the way to handle it would be to rent the unit further out in the suburbs where it would be fairly cheap (certainly cheaper than getting a second bedroom in Arlington). During the week, you could do small projects for the railroad like build kits and then work on the layout on weekends.
When I moved to NY this summer I considered buying a small building for the layout out in the countryside but fortunately found a house with a spare garage for my layout and so didn’t pursue it.
Hi whitman 500
World wide you will get the same argument on real estate values all that changes is the numbers and currency type used and location.
I still think the self store unit rent is better saved and spent puting a shed on your own piece of property if you happen to own one.
Or if you don’t so you can get your own piece of property.
Good grief I sound like Dad[:D]
regards John
I’ve had several storage units, not for railroading, and one problem is the amount of dirt and dust. So watch out if you try this.
Rick
The main problem with building a shed, garage or other outbuilding is that (a) you must own some land first, and (b) you must have room to spare on that land, and (c) you must be able to afford a structure suitable for model railroading–relatively climate-controlled, wired for electricity, and of reasonable size. (a) eliminates all renters, (c) eliminates those who don’t have quite a bit of free cash. In my case, I own, and while it would be a stretch I could afford to put up a garage if I didn’t have one, but my property lot is so small that, under current setback requirements, I couldn’t even build my own house today.
But here’s another news flash: If you can’t afford a home big enough for a model railroad layout, the odds are very good that you can’t afford a model railroad, either!
Let me spell it out for everyone: If you live in a ONE-ROOM STUDIO APARTMENT, you still have room for a small 2x4 N scale layout, or a 1x6 HO scale shelf layout, AT LEAST. Either will cost between $200 and $1000 (bare bones vs. superdetailed.) A 4x8 will cost at least 4 times that much.
If you happen to live on a naval vessel, or have to live out of suitcases, you feasibly can justify saying “I don’t have room for a layout.”
But the idea of renting a self-storage unit for a model railroad layout “for people with limited space” is kind of like saying that you could just use a cardboard to store your gold and jewelry because you can’t afford a jewelry case!
Another restriction that can impede construction of a shed on your property are your local building codes. Some areas restrict the size and location of the shed you can build on your property. Sometimes you are required by law to use only certain types of exterior finishes (siding, roofing, etc.).
So, before you start building a shed for your trains, check with your local building codes and bylaws first.