I have decided that I probably will have to make a access hatch in the middle of the table. I want to hear everybodies pointers or ideas on the best way to secure the hatch while closed, ie. w/hinges and a latch, etc and then what everybody is using or the best thing to actually place on the hatch to hide it.
Depends on your existing tabletop. I have 1/2" ply under 2" of foam and just cut out an access hatch the other week in mine. It was very simple to do. I cut out the square in my plywood 1.5" smaller in all dimensions than the foam cutout on top of it. I glued a piece of scrap foam underneath the foam “hatch” to act as a handle for lifting out and pulling it back down. Works perfectly and when the hatch is closed, the “lines” of the cut out will be hidden by scenery permanently attached to the outer perimeter of the hatch that will overlay onto the foam that is permanently attached to the tabletop.
~Kris
Will you have track running across the hatch? Will you have illuminated structures or anything else requiring power on top of the hatch? How big will it be? What’s the space like below, and how much room is above? All of these are important things to consider in deciding on the best way to go.
Thanks for posting this. I’ve been planning an access hatch of some sort for a long time, but right now I’ve just got an irregular opening in pink foam. So, I’ll be watching the replies.
The three basic types to consider are fold-up, fold-down and lift off. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so that’s probably the first decision to be made.
Here’s my hole in the Earth. Once I finished all the scenery etc. I will make the hole half the size as it will only be used for emergency access instead of a place where I will stand for long periods working on the layout. I kept the foam I cut out so I could replace it when I was done for a tight fit. And I will continue to ride the recumbent bike so I don’t become a tight fit.[(-D]
I am thinking of a small pond surrounded by foliage on the remaining lift out. The foliage will hide the crack in the foam. I really do not think I will need it once the landscape is finished, but you never know.
Brent[C):-)]