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IKEA APA boxes for West Cromwell Road?

Kelly

Entry posted by Kelly

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Recently I've been giving thought to what to use for the boards/storage for West Cromwell Road.

 

I had initially thought about using a combination of plywood and foamboard. Whilst this would be very light, with my health, it'll require more effort and time. I intend to use it for the Chilmark layout however as the IKEA APA boxes I've decided upon wouldn't be suitable for that layout.

 

So, yes, I've decided to go down the IKEA APA box route. As they're cheap (£10.99 each) and not very big they seem like they could be the idea compromise between size and convinience for me. And if they don't work out I get extra storage for my flat :D

 

The plan is to use two APA boxes for the scenic portion, and one for the fiddle yards/storage. They should be able to be stacked on top of each other in a corner out f the way when not in use also.

 

When I get around to ordering one I'll have chance to look and see how easy/difficult to use they might actually be before taking a saw/drill to one.

 

I rather like the idea of the layout being a few seperate modules that are mostly self contained. The idea with West Cromwell Road is to keep it fairly simple anyway.

 

Basically it will be the steam shed, based upon Lillie Bridge (2 roads), with a coal staithe etc and a 4 road electric car shed, which is opposite the steam shed. It will be fronted by a retaining wall, which the District Line would pass beneath, but won't be modelled. Natalie is working on plans at present, and one will be uploaded when she has finished it.

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Guest Popcod

Look forward to seeing this one develop.

 

Although I got my APA a few weeks ago I've yet to start on it (apart for build it). It's a nice light box but I'm wondering if the base might need a bit of careful strengthening below deck?

 

Be interesting to see what you make of it and your approach.

 

All the best,

Chris

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Kelly

Look forward to seeing this one develop.Although I got my APA a few weeks ago I've yet to start on it (apart for build it). It's a nice light box but I'm wondering if the base might need a bit of careful strengthening below deck?Be interesting to see what you make of it and your approach.All the best,Chris

 

Not sure yet when I'll get one, as other things to make sure are paid for first before I can go get stuff. But in the next few weeks or so perhaps.

 

I was thinking of a bit of ply to strengthen the base, but till I see the finished thing I can't be sure. As I'm going to be having a retaining wall to depict where the district line would be below (and under the bridge) i'll likely be raising the height a little, so a bit of strengthening should be possible with that in mind.

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andyram

What are the APA boxes? Just thinking I could also use them as I need to build a portable layout before the end of the year.

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Kelly

What are the APA boxes? Just thinking I could also use them as I need to build a portable layout before the end of the year.

 

They're a small, cheap, storage box solution by IKEA. These.

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Kelly

Now they do look just ready made for a model railway!!!

 

Yep! A nice good size, and lightweight I'm thinking. Have yet to get any mind. But at that price its a no brainer really. As they're designed for childrens storage they're going to be pretty simple I'd of thought too, and hence smaller.

 

To go with them perhaps these though ? or a cheaper option?

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cromptonnut

For trestles, Artur (your first link) has adjustable height, Lilleby (second link) are a fixed height. I have two of the early design Artur (without the shelf) that is no longer available for putting my layout on, and two similar metal ones I picked up from Aldi a couple of years ago.

 

I suppose the important thing is what height do you want your layout to be at; with Artur you can have 71-93 cm whereas Lilleby is fixed at 70cm. Both will apparently take 50kg max load.

 

We were planning on picking up a couple of these for the bedroom - which might just end up with a long thin layout project on top of them - and might accidently pick up an Apa at the same time for a little something I have in mind for a modern urban tram layout - ironic considering Ikea Croydon is right next to the Therapia Lane tramlink depot.

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Kelly

For trestles, Artur (your first link) has adjustable height, Lilleby (second link) are a fixed height. I have two of the early design Artur (without the shelf) that is no longer available for putting my layout on, and two similar metal ones I picked up from Aldi a couple of years ago.I suppose the important thing is what height do you want your layout to be at; with Artur you can have 71-93 cm whereas Lilleby is fixed at 70cm. Both will apparently take 50kg max load.We were planning on picking up a couple of these for the bedroom - which might just end up with a long thin layout project on top of them - and might accidently pick up an Apa at the same time for a little something I have in mind for a modern urban tram layout - ironic considering Ikea Croydon is right next to the Therapia Lane tramlink depot.

 

I only linked to both becaus eof the difference in cost. With 3 APA boxes I'll need potentially 6 of the Artur trestles, or a couple and a table perhaps. Not sure on operating height, as cos of my back/health I find I can't stand for very long, so a lower height might be fine for my use.

 

Those chest of drawers do look rather useful, an APA box would sit quite nicely on top :)

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