My Cabinet/Desk Layout

BurghThing Feb 26, 2013

  1. BurghThing

    BurghThing TrainBoard Member

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    Been many years since I built my last layout and documented it here on TB. As I recall it was a support group project that seemed to work rather well as it kept me at it until it was complete (or as complete as any layout ever gets). Since then much has changed in life, including a move back north and a new house with my very own man-cave (insert snorting noises). A couple years back I found a desk/cabinet at a used furniture store and thought, this is perfect for housing a small N scale layout! So I bought it, brought it home, and used it to stack things on for the next couple years. Finally I decided, with my 30 year bachelor degree finally completed, and hockey being on hiatus, it was time.

    Here's the desk/cabinet. Not sure what to call it exactly. Its like a desk, with a display cabinet built on top, but it slopes ever so slightly towards the drawers, not towards where a customer might want to peer in. Anyway its perfect for my needs.

    Cabinet.jpg
     
  2. BurghThing

    BurghThing TrainBoard Member

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    I decided to use Kato Unitrak since I hate ballasting, especially in a confined space like this, and it had all the pieces I would need. I made several mock ups of what I was going to attempt, tunnels? Bridges? Over/under? I still don't think I'm settled, but as I'm laying track this weekend I guess I better be!

    MockUp1.jpg MockUp2.jpg MockUp3.jpg MockUp4.jpg
     
  3. BurghThing

    BurghThing TrainBoard Member

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    Finally settled on an over/under approach. I had some foam that blew off one of the neighbor's houses while under construction to use as a base, so I laid out the track to ensure proper (can you say tight) fit, and planned my elevation.

    FoamAndRisers.jpg PositioningSwitches.jpg

    I can't say enough about Woodland Scenics risers and inclines. My last layout I attempted to cut my own inclines and hoo-boy, never again.

    UpUpWeGo.jpg FunWithElevation.jpg
     
  4. BurghThing

    BurghThing TrainBoard Member

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    Spent some time with my trusty foam cutter. I tried to keep the incline to a 2% grade, which required the under track to go below the surface, should make the layout look less "flat".

    FoamCutter.jpg FoamCutter1.jpg
     
  5. BurghThing

    BurghThing TrainBoard Member

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    This past week was spent plastering and painting. Hopefully I can start laying track next weekend.

    ReadyForPlaster.jpg Painted.jpg
     
  6. BurghThing

    BurghThing TrainBoard Member

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    And to keep me busy while the plaster and paint were drying, I tried to see which buildings would fit where, and which of the many kits I own, I would actually have to build.

    BuildingMockUp.jpg BuildingMockUp2.jpg MoreBuildings.jpg

    My poor cigar factory didn't survive the move north very well. Might have to make some modifications to it this time around.
     
  7. BurghThing

    BurghThing TrainBoard Member

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    OK, that's all the photos for now. Hopefully I can post some track pictures soon.

    Enjoy!
     
  8. Jolly

    Jolly TrainBoard Member

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    Nice work, I like it.
     
  9. TrCO

    TrCO TrainBoard Member

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    Very nice work indeed :) It's certainly an interesting space you've got to fill. Kinda of like a coffee table layout with a twist. Very original :) Keep them photos coming!
     
  10. BurghThing

    BurghThing TrainBoard Member

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    Did some touch up painting so while I wait for it to dry I'm taking a stab at some of these structures I'll need.

    First up, a Bachmann sand house.

    sandhouse.jpg
     

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