[80class]

After a few too many years struggling in the roof space I have finally admitted that there simply isn't enough height. A friend of mine who is a professional builder is half way through building a big insulated shed for my next layout. The layout will be built on insulation board as I have plenty spare after some building work done a few years back. The layout design is still at the early stages as I struggle to truly imagine anything in a space that as yet doesn't exist! My early thoughts are to loosely base the layout on a design by Cyril Freezer from his "Model Railway design manual" (which really is a great book for all levels of modeller). I am thinking about adapting layout number 13 (Pg 144) by adding a medium sized steam depot and a continuous run as sometimes its nice to just watch!

Anyway, my question!

What do people use for storage below their baseboards? I like the thought of shelving and drawer units that are the right height for the layout to be built on top of and are also not too expensive. Any thoughts?

Thanks for reading,

Rob

 

[Jonathan P]

something on wheels so you can easily trundle it out the way when you need to get at the underside of the baseboard for repairs etc, or to hoover out the inevitable spiders etc.

 

[neil_s_wood]

My new layout which I am currently planning will be in the garage and my intention is to have it high enough to store the lawn mower and garden stuff underneath. I have also bought several large plastic storage containers on wheels which I can trundle in and out from underneath to store stuff in to maximise the storage potential of the area underneath the layout.

 

[Makemineadouble]

QUOTE My early thoughts are to loosely base the layout on a design by Cyril Freezer from his "Model Railway design manual" (which really is a great book for all levels of modeller). I am thinking about adapting layout number 13 (Pg 144) by adding a medium sized steam depot and a continuous run as sometimes its nice to just watch!

Good man CJF and rightly held in high esteem. Have you considered modular, you must have a reasonable space. Consider the following advantages.

The 00 association is currently finalising modular standards according to their web site:
Double O association
Modular Standards

for further reference try the following:
PMT modular standards
20's & 30's modular

there are plenty more. The principle adantages being:
once a standard is established, modules can easily be joined together, for club or even national meetings.
modules are portable, and more importantly internchangeable so you could change the arrangement of your layout at anytime in the future. Modules are idea for DCC. A layout need never be scrapped. If like me you have suffered from loosing a large layout with many thousands of hours spend on building this is going to appeal to you. More to follow:

 

[neil_s_wood]

Couldn't agree more with MMaDs comments about modular layouts. There are many benefits if you have a confined space and want to have several different features and countries represented. Thanks for the links MMaD.

 

[80class]

Thanks everyone for replying, will definitely be looking into storage on wheels.

Interesting idea these modular layouts. I have heard about them before and seen some of them, but for what ever reason hadn't considered them properly, will definitely look into them! Thanks for the links MMaD!

Rob

 

[Dennis David]

They are very popular in the United States.

 

[hoonsou]

I acquired some old Kitchen carcasses from someone that had had a replacement put in. I put Castors on them and hey presto, a dead cheap under board, portable storage system. Maybe I should patent it