Anyone have any thoughts or comments on building an N scale layout in a 40' insulated shipping container?; Ever heard of anyone doing this?
I can't recall this. But it's entirely possible. Have seen some in old box cars, etc. Many neighborhoods have zoning restrictions, or homeowners associations rules, which would prohibit using one of these. So be aware of this potential problem. Boxcab E50
I have property w/o neighbors around, so no problem with a container. I was thinking if a contianer was set under a pole barn it might made an inexpensive model room. They can be bought for 2000. Interior dimentions are aprox.: Interior : L: 38' W: 7' 4" H: 8' 3" See: http://www.containersnow.com/containers/details/6/11.htm for an example. Also trailer bodies w/o out the wheels (covnerted to storage containers) are available for around $1800. ummm..........
I'd guess if you put in some A/C and heat, mand maybe a window or two and lighting, it would make a good area for a layout. for the 2K though, you might look into the storage buildings at Lowes or Home Depot that look like little barns. One of the problems I see with the shipping container is the big doors to open/close it up. I'd think the storage sheds would be a better option and look better. The only thing I'd be worried about with those if if a big storm came along and wrecked it.
Hey, I've seen pictures of a layout done in a mobile construction trailer.The guy had it next to his house.Removed the wheels & hook up the electric.It had a bathroom & A/C.It was a great iddea if theres no space in the house.
The size isn't bad, probably a big "U" shape along the long walls and one end. The big double door aren't the best arangement, but maybe they can be removed and a regular door framed in. Insulation would be a must, conduit for the electrical. Climate control appropriate for your area for comfort. Being under a pole barn would protect it from the weather, heavy snows etc... For natural light I'd go with sky lights. The whole thing is heavy enough that it would take gale force winds to move it. All in all it would work fine. I have to agree with Ron here. I feel you'd get a more useful sqare footage from one oof the prefab mini-barn/shed. It would take the same work to insulate etc... but offer greater options for the layout foot print. And yes, it would be much better looking.
No matter what, check with your zoning/rules. The County migh tnot allow it. if you are rural enough though, it might be allowed. In my father's case, he has a Agricultraul Zoning, its his ticket to keeping trucks, Containers, you name it
Evening All, I had always wondered about useing an ols sea container. However my idea was two insulatted containers, one with a working reffer unit for the hot summer days. Put them together, remove some of the wall between the containers for passage of trains and people and there you have it. 20 by 40 or 53 or whatever. Shannon WP LIVES ATSF LIVES
It actually would not be hard to make anchors for it. Concrete in the ground. And a cable to each lower corner. Be certain to have some firm footing, so it will remain level. Also, check it carefully before doing any interior work. Make certain it's weather tight. They can leak with age and use. Even if under a pole barn. I'd say air conditioning is a must. Or add a few small windows for ventilation. Otherwise, it might be a bit too much in those warmer months.... Boxcab E50
Apperently you can make a house out of them: This may well help you: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/01/shipping_contai.php
An insulated container will not need AC. An uninsulated container Might need AC. This after a Lifetime in AZ, we havea Walkin Cooler, pacially partical board and chip board, and styrofoam, it stays at about 70-75 in there without any AC, wether it is 75 out or 120 out. Winter...it just gets COLD!
Thanks for the commets and info guys. I would keep the large doors for security and build a 2x4 wall just inside with a 36" door. For the inside walls install 2"x2"'s and insulate between them and provide masonite as a backdrop for a more finished look. Mount lighting along the top for the layout and install electricity after the layout framing. Mobile home straps and anchors would keep the unit firmly in place (life in Florida requires this !). Since I would be under a pole barn, I would mount weathertight ductwork on top of the unit and cut in vents as needed for the A/C/heat. My modeled area will need long, relative straight sections of track, so the length should help out. At 7.5' wide, I should hve enough room for the walkway and layout sections on each side. The advantage of a container over a prebuilt building is that the container is made to be moved and can be done so at a later date with out damageing the interior. Pre-fab buildings 'flex' when moved (which is why they do not recommend sheetrock). Any ideas for layout designs in long narrow spaces? yankinoz - most interesting links .........
sounds pretty interesting to me. if i were doing it, i would make sure and put a desk/worktable on the wall that has your 36" door on it. if you got a little creative, you wouldn't have to have all long straight runs, you could have a 36" path through the middle, but have it meander back and forth, which would give you less of a "long straight run only" look. just a thought beast
I dunno Grey... Those modern railroaders run an aweful lot of containers on their layouts. It's more like model containering than railroading.
I think it sounds like a really good idea. Well worth trying. I have heard of many people who use tuffsheds as layout rooms out in the backyard, so why not a container? My only concern is that you cut some vent holes so it breaths a little bit. The idea of entering a non ventilated space and potentially using up all the air sounds pretty bad to me. If you have a large property there are always the prefab industiral buildings. But a container still sounds like a model railroad bombshelter so it really does appeal to my thinking. Hmmmm 38" foot shelf layout with loops at the ends, SWEET!
