We decided that it’s not worth the effort of the container, I’m allowed a wee corner of the living room for a switching layout (warm dry and I’m handy for baby duty).
By the time the container idea was working we will probably be in a home to call our own.
Ken.
We are doing a bit of moving over the next few years, renovating homes and hopefully selling them for a profit[8D]
I want to get re-started on a layout that is easier to move than the monstrosity I have built.
So, has anybody built one in a shipping container? I should have about 19’x7’ and 7.5’ high in a 20’ long container.
I plan to fully line, insulate and build a pitched roof.
Hi Ken No I have never build a layout in a container but were I work we use them a lot for storage the problem I see 1. the the Heat in them is unreal in the summer 2. the doors are heavy and tend to stick 3.the lay out depending on the scale HO at the max could only be 24in wide and the curves would be tight
I do not know the price on the containers but a nice barn might be a better idea more room for a work area and more flexable good luck
I was thinking of a round the walls track plan, about 24" wide for easy reach. Possibly a helix in one cnr and two or three levels. The heat issue would be ok, insulated and I’d remove the metal doors and fit a aluminuim slider or single door hinged.
you could even move it on a double stack container train. i’ve seen offices in containers with windows and a hole in the wall for an ac unit. it might be a good layout room for n scale. for security i would leave the steel doors on and install a sliding door just inside the steel ones with a screened section for ventilation. when not in transit leave the steel doors open and lock the slider.
I think I’ve considered all the pros and cons. It will be warmer, dryer and alot less dusty than the garage.
I can still have 30" radius turns, and a 30" helix and possibly three levels.
If the benchwork is only 24" wide I still have a 3’ isle down the middle. I could have a 2’ peninsula half way along if I kept the opposite side 6-12".
The container will be on-site for a year or so before moving, and then it’s only around the neighbourhood on a truck.
Security is no different to the garage now (sometimes I forget to lock it!!)
I’d seriously like some input from the other ‘pros’ on this forum.[:I]
Have I got it completely wrong and just wait till we find a layout room with a home attached to call our own, or is it a good idea.
I’d need 5’ for a helix and that would leave 11-12’ for a straight section, for a double ended yard, before turning at the end and going along the other side wall, either back to the helix or loop. Liftouts/gates would be a must across the doorway.
The top level could be just mountainous area for railfanning or a coal mine. middle level would be yards, town etc and bottom could be staging, storage
If I understand how these things work, don’t you rent these? Would you be permited to modify a rented unit by attaching the layout to the wall, bringing in power, blocking or adding windows? If you bought the unit would the company still move it for you? Climate control may not be an issue in Christchurch but in the Midwest of the USA there would only be three or four months of the year you could comfortably make use of it without some heat or A/C. Half of that time rain would be an issue if the one end was wide open the the elements. Work space would be cramped and you best not be claustrophobic. Are there zoning restrictions that would keep you from having this sit in the yard at the current home or any future home?
Now that I have bashed the idea enough let me say I don’t think any of that can’t be overcome. There are small furnaces and A/C units for recreationational vehicles that could be adapted. Foam sheets could double as insulation and backboards. A power hookup like for an RV should be able to supply enough power for lights, trains and cooling.
For me being confined in the little box would be a real problem.
A very interesting prospect which has two very good features. It would be extremely secure and if you move house a lot this is the ideal solution for moving the layout.
As for the type of layout how about one big helix? an ‘around-the-wall’ helix where the tracks rise about 12" for each trip around the container.
Something like this: http://home.swbell.net/gary46/Room-Overview.html
There’s not many people with a layout that measures 350 feet by 13 inches [:D]
You might have a little trouble actually getting in the container but I’m sure that could be overcome somehow.
I think it would work. I like the idea of an around the walls helix, but you would need to have at least one duckunder at the end with the doors. I think you could have a very nice point to point if you had 3 levels. Seeing what you did in the 6 months of your last layout I know that you can make it work. I will try to send you some ideas for a track plan on email.
I have a switching layout myself incorporated into my layout. I did it the easy way and copied the Urban Railroad switching layout by John Pryke in the Aug - Dec 2000 MR. It is an L shape with eleven industry spurs and lots of switching. I eliminated the inside curve of buildings and replaced it with a two line main to incorporate it into the layout. It was easy to build and it provides hours of switching fun for me. Just an idea to consider. Good luck.
Terry
That layout is in the garage, we have really damp winters here and it’s hopeless trying to use it. Were not here permanantly so I’m not going to line the garage.
I’ll scrap that layout and build a new one when we find a nice home.
Containers have to meet a condition standard for commercial use. Once they no longer meet the standard, or are damaged, they are sold. I bought a 40’ container that had been damaged on one end for $400.00. I cut the damaged end off, framed the end, and covered with alumium siding. Ended up with a 35’ container with a 5’ porch. Made a great workshop.
