I’ll bet some of us have run into from time to time. No room to build/store our layouts. I currently have a 4 x8 layout in my garage… and I’m looking for some unique was to store it when I need to park the cars in the garage. It’s not heavy considering it’s mostly foam construction. I tried to make it portable by keeping wieght low.
Any resources you can suggest for say…hanging it from the cieling etc
How 'bout suspending it from the ceiling and lowering it whenever you want to get at it? Someone on here did that with their layout.
If you’re parking cars in the garage, keep in mind that dust and critters may be an issue. Also, if you have a garage door opening, you’ll need to allow clearance for (and access to) that, as well.
Tom
I’m actually very concerned about a layout in my garage because of the arizona heat. I’m actually cooling the garage while I’m out there…but when I’m not.
If a different idea comes up I might move it into the house… I just don’t have the space to store it. Original idea was to hang it on the wall covered. (Again the heat is an issue.) And bring it down when I’m ready to work on it.
It’s at benchwork right now so I still have options.
One of John Armstrong’s planning books (don’t recall which one now) had a 4x8 HOn3 and N layout plan that hinged from a standing position against the wall to a table roughly 40" high. Adjacent to it was a covered credenza with a small yard to store rolling stock while layout was in the “up” position. The “up” position was about 12" from wall to give clearance to frame and scenery. Seemed like a pretty good idea. Wish I could remember name of the book - maybe someone else can help.
Fred W
I think Jim Hediger points out in the latest MR that suspending a layout from the ceiling involves pretty complicated counterweights, cables, etc
Fred’s idea is one that used to be seen a lot in older magazines and booklets – I think because back in the 1950s more people were familiar with Murphy Beds, that worked on that principle. It might even be possible to purchase a Murphy Bed system and modify it for layout use. But obviously EVERYTHING has to be fastened down 100% and if you forget a car or locomotive … ouch.
Take a look at this website
Obviously you want the layout higher than a bed, which suggests that the broad side not the narrow end gets attached to the wall, so that it clears the ceiling when raised:
http://www.plansnow.com/dn1117c.html
Dave Nelson
Creative Layout Design, (Kalmbach) 1978
This book also discussd the idea of overhead storage of a layout. For lightweight layout, this off-the-shelf system might be adapted for overhead storage:
http://www.hoister.com/selection.php
Whatever method you finally adopt, it’s a really good idea to have enough track that will remain horizontal that all of the rolling stock normally in use will fit. Nothing messes up details, paint and decals like repeated application of the 0-5-0 (aka grubby paw.) If nothing else, rig a track that can be used to store cassettes that can be put on a shelf.
Incidentally, I’m modeling in a Southern Nevada garage, so I know what you mean about heat!
Two other threads on this subject. maybe you can get some Ideas here…
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=39690&REPLY_ID=411696#411696
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=34696&REPLY_ID=351023#351023
Have fun & be safe
Karl
i have my 4by8 layout in my base mant