Trains4u shop layout

[Trains4U]

So, there hasn't been a tremendous amount of progress (Life getting in the way)

But there are plans to restart work this week.

 

I picked up the second batch of timber (Another 175 ft of 2x2) ready to finish the framework, so that cladding can begin.

 

The timber was stored outside at the merchants - hopefully it will dry out a bit before Thursday evening.

 

 

 

in the last few weeks, we have also added a small double track N gauge circuit on a raised platform around the pillar.

 

The wiring is still a shambles - that will also be sorted out over the coming weeks.

 

 

 

 

[rockershovel]

A propos fire and insurance aspects, Trains4U have had a shop layout for a long time, just not this particular one. I don't see why any issue would exist, that didn't exist before.

 

Regarding the access, why would there be an issue? This is a hobby shop, not a Cup Final. The layout is below and behind the stairs. Who would be obstructed - Spider-Man?

[Trains4U]

Well, the layout is still taking shape,

 

Last night's efforts resulted int he first few cladding boards being fitted.

 

 

 

This certainly tidies up the appearance of the layout nearest the counter.

the next step is to finish the boarding nearest the front door (there are a few awkward angles there)

Following which I will install some of the internal shelving for the PECO track overstocks that are currently living on the floor.

 

Once the stock is on shelves, we can continue boarding the rest of the layout.

 

 

In addition, the N gauge layout was installed a few weeks ago.

 

This is mounted on the pillar, approximately 12 inches above the main layout.

 

[Trains4U]

Despite it being a remarkably busy Saturday, I managed to make some good progress on the layout construction.

 

This is the best shot of what it looked like before:

 

 

The PECO flexitrack and Hornby track overstocks were piled on the floor.   Because of this, the stock levels have been kept artificially low.

 

Today I managed to fit the first few shelves that will cater for the PECO and Hornby overstocks.

 

 

I also added framing for the cladding boards.  There is one more upright to fit, and then the boards can be attached.

 

 

The layout area is now looking much tidier and the stock now has a home away from the dust and out of sight.

Doors will be added as the cladding progresses.

 

I also made Phil (The saturday lad) level the cladding boards with a rasp.  Not a fun job, but it kept him busy for an hour before the rush started.

 

 

 

 

The changes at this point are reasonably small, but have a big visual impact.   Having space for the stock will now help to keep clear other spaces under the layout for further construction, and the pile of construction materials is getting smaller and more manageable!

 

The cladding work will continue next week.  but then I'm away for a while, so it is unlikely there will be much more progress now before September.

Edited July 29, 2017 by Trains4U

[Guest pboeast]

Will you be doing something scenic? The old MR line maybe?

[Trains4U]

Hi,   The front part of the layout, painted grey, will have scenery added, though it won't be any specific location - it will be more to show product available in the shop.

 

 

I got a little more done this evening as I had a couple of hours available, though this really is the last I'll be able to do until September.

 

I began by adding the base frame around the back end of the layout, where the current controller lash-up is located

 

 

Then inserted the uprights, and the last upright on the central section

 

 

 

and before running out of time, I got two of the four remaining uprights positioned on the end nearest the door, and the narrow strip that completes the main frontage.

 

 

Unfortunately I didn't have time to complete the end nearest the door - its probably another 45 minutes work to finish, which is a bit frustrating!

 

But it is now coming together and progressing nicely - I'll have to pick up the pace in September though - I want to have the DCC controllers wired in and the workbench in place before the Christmas trading period starts.

 

[Trains4U]

So , September has arrived, Holidays are over (Sadly) and work is progressing on the layout.

 

During last week, Alan added a few more of the cladding boards, further tidying the appearance of the layout

 

 

Saturday was pretty quiet trade-wise (I guess the weather was too nice - or everyone had gone to Old Oak Common)  so I took the opportunity to get some more woodwork done.

 

Uprights were added to the corner closest to the counter, and a frame fashioned for the cupboard door

 

 

I then measured and cut a board and marked out the door, which was cut in one piece from the board.  (Using a combination of a stanley knife, razor saw and full size wood saw - I'm sure there are more appropriate tools out there, but i managed!)

 

 

And then added a little pull-hole 

 

 

Not too bad for a Saturday, during opening hours. - I have yet to fit hinges, so the door is standing loose in the hole.

 

Next job is to complete the cladding at the other end, closest to the door, though I now really want to get some electric work done, as the controllers are a bit of a nightmare to manage and operate at the moment.

Edited September 4, 2017 by Trains4U

[Trains4U]

I've made some progress on the layout this week.

 

The boarding around the front of the layout is now complete.

 

 

The plug sockets added for the layout were attached to a huge MDF board.   This was cut down.

The sockets mounted to the frame and the remainder of the board reserved as the workbench.

 

 

Today, I installed the workbench and supporting frame.

 

 

and began installing some of the supporting framework for the storage beneath the layout.

 

 

Next steps are to build the storage on the side closest to the stairs.

I'll leave the storage on the other side until later as I'll need access to install the wiring.

 

O gauge track laying will also commence shortly!